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We are still about 4 weeks away from the tip-off of a new college basketball season, which means that we have plenty of time to start preparing for the action ahead. We will do so via a series of season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage with Kansas SO G S’Mya Nichols, who talked about her great freshman year and her expectations for this season.
You were a member of Team USA at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women’s Americas Championship: what did it mean to you to represent your country, and what did it mean to you to win a gold medal (even though you did not get to play due to health and safety protocols)? The experience was great. A lot of people underestimate Team USA because we are always expected to win. It was 1 of the hardest things I have ever went through because all my teammates were already in college while I was still in high school. I had a point to prove and loved the relationships I made with the other girls. I did not get to play due to COVID…but I did not let it take away the fact that I still won a gold medal.
You were born in Missouri/raised in Kansas: what made you choose the Jayhawks? I decided to stay home because who would not want to play for a school that has such an amazing support system?! It is close to home/my family and I felt that I was blessed. When my grandmother passed away last month, I could just get in a car and drive home to be with my family.
You play for Coach Brandon Schneider: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from him so far? He is understanding and will not put you in bad positions. He knows what you would like to do on the court and talks with you to figure out what play/pass works best for you. He is very confident in me and just wants me to keep growing on both offense/defense. He puts all of us in position to be the best that we can be.
Last season your 15.4 PPG was the 2nd-highest by a freshman in school history: how were you able to make such a smooth transition from high school to college? I did not think it was smooth: I thought it was hard and it seemed like everyone else was running so fast! It eventually got to a point where I just tried to be myself and play aggressive. I choose a word for myself before the start of each season: last year was “consistency” and it paid off. This year’s words are “dominant” and “dog” (as in be a dog).
You also led the team in AST/STL: how are you able to balance your scoring with your passing with your defense? We had great screeners, which helped a lot. My teammates were in the right position, and when I passed them the ball they would knock down the shot every single time. I did not think that defense was my specialty last year so that stat surprises me. I am good at taking charges, so I did that a lot and enjoyed it because it is impactful to the game.
In the 2024 NCAA tourney you scored 15 PTS in a 9-PT win over Michigan and scored 22 PTS in a loss to USC: what did you learn from that postseason run that you think will help you this season? Recovery is key: we were exhausted and did not take enough pride in the recovery department. If you want to go far then you need to take every little thing seriously. I also learned that I need to get better at a lot of things: boxing out, rebounding, etc. We should not be waiting until the end of the game: we need to attack from the jump.
Last year you were named All-Big 12 1st team and last week you were named to the preseason All-Big 12 team: what did it mean to you to receive such outstanding honors? It meant a lot: last year I had to ask someone for the rundown about what exactly it was.
The Big 12 had several additions/subtractions this year: any thoughts on conference realignment? It is only my 2nd year here so I think it would be a bigger deal for someone who was a senior. We will try to beat whoever is on our schedule.
Your stepfather Dane Griffin played football at Kansas: who is the best athlete in the family? It is me…but he is athletic. It is a debate that goes back and forth…but it is me!
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? I think we will be underestimated going into conference play without a pair of 6’6” players down low. I really want to win the Big 12 title and make the Sweet 16/Elite 8, which would be a big jump for us. As far as individual goals, winning conference POY would be cool…but I am focused on the team goals, so I would love 1 of my teammates to win conference newcomer of the year.