Nichols Hired as Southwest's Head Men's Basketball Coach

Southwest has hired former Motlow State Community College coach and athletic director, Jerry Nichols, as its new head men's basketball coach, replacing Interim Coach Kevin Whitted. "We are excited to have a person of his caliber work with our young men and assist them in pursuing their educational and career goals," said Southwest President Nathan Essex. "I am confident that Jerry will provide the leadership and maintain the tradition of excellence that we have established in our men's basketball program here at Southwest."

Nichols, a former Westwood High School standout who played college basketball at Walters State Community College and Arkansas State University (ASU), has coached Motlow State for the past four seasons, leading them to a 26-4 record, the TCCAA championship and a berth in the NJCAA national tournament in 2012-13. Nichols compiled an outstanding 80-31 overall record at Motlow State and was twice named TCCAA Coach of the Year.

As a player at Walters State, Nichols was named First Team NJCAA All-American and TCCAA Player of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore. As a sophomore, he ranked ninth in the nation in scoring with a 21.6 average. Nichols continued his education and playing career at ASU, where he led the team in three-point shooting and was named the team's top defensive player during his junior season. In addition, he was the recipient of ASU's Leadership Award as a senior.

After his playing career ended, Nichols was an assistant coach first at Walters State and then Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, before accepting the head coach position at Motlow State in 2009.

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Photo caption: Jerry Nichols