Nigel Black
By Leonard Haynes
If there is one thing Blue Bear fans will learn this season about newcomer Nigel Black it is that this kid is definitely not reticent about shooting the "tre rock."
Nigel Black |
Only a few months ago Nigel was soaking up the summer sun in balmy Miami, Florida pondering a major life decision. After helping to guide his high school team to a state championship, he decided to play basketball for Concordia Community College in Alabama. Things went sour after his first semester due to his not being able to assimilate into his new environment. Fortunately, before leaving Alabama a college professor be-friended him and encouraged him to play basketball for a small historically black college in North Carolina. Soon after getting back to Florida, Nigel decided to pack his bags and head to Livingstone College.
In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Nigel sat out the 1998-99 season to join the Blue Bears as a sophomore on the court and a junior in the classroom.
"Nigel represents a constant threat on the floor," said Coach McCullough. "If we're in a close game we can make a run at any time he is in the game. Nigel has one of the quickest releases I have seen in a long time, and with his height, it is practically an unblockable shot. If Nigel continues to work hard for the next 2 years he may have a shot at the next level either here in the states or overseas," said McCullough.
With each game played, Nigel's confidence continues to grow. In his last two games, the "Mad Bomber" unleashed 17 points against Virginia Union (11/30) and dropped a twenty-point barrage versus Barber Scotia in the Annual Catawba Tournament.
Nigel is listed at 190 pounds, but if you look at his legs you would probably think 175 (fully clothed), not to mention the Sprewell-like cornrows and gold fronts (true Miami-style...bling, bling). However, do not be fooled by his appearance. This sharp shooter has the potential to be one of the deadliest players in the conference.
The three-ball has transformed coaches into mathematicians and probability specialists. McCullough understands that a 33 percent shooter from three-point range can score as many points as a 50 percent shooter from two-point range. Right now Nigel is sitting atop figures that list him second in the CIAA in three-pt field goals made, while shooting a sizzling 45% from trey land. Nigel is also averaging just about four three-pointers a game. LC guard Sheldon Payne, along with other teammates, simply describe Nigel's jump-shot in one word, "Wet."
"It's going to be hard to double-team us with Nigel on the floor," said Payne. "Nigel will bomb off the post. Bomb off of the fast break. He'll come down on the break and back-up for a bomb. He has no conscious…he's mad. He is the Mad Bomber."
The Blue Bears (2-5) are working through growing pains right now as they get accustomed to Coach McCullough's system and to playing with one another. It seems as if someone new takes to the floor for the Bears once every week because of time-consuming compliance issues. By the time conference play begins, the CIAA will be given a true introduction to the havoc that will be wrought by the "Mad Bomber."
Last season, Livingstone was dismissed from the CIAA tournament in the first round. This year the "Stone" will use a more balanced attack, especially on the perimeter, to terrorize opposing defenses by opening things up underneath the basket for post play, but also for dribble-drive penetration.
"I always wanted a chance to be in college and play for another championship," said Nigel. "Now, I'm working hard to get both a degree and a CIAA title."
As for the rest of the season for the wiry kid from Miami … Bombs Away!