PROVIDENCE — Maybe the best barometer of the potential success of the youthful Friars this season will be the progress that Jimmy Nichols shows.
Nichols, who turned 18 years old in July and may be the youngest player in the Big East, continues to improve. His length — 6-foot-8 — and athleticism around the rim and in the lane helps a PC team that badly needs rim protection. He has a decent jumper from the corner and offers Friar fans glimpses of his sizable talent in every game.
How quickly he can string together consistent performances will be a key factor for the Friars with the dawn of the Big East season at hand.