Kipper Nichols Returns for Second Season with the Sharks

Kipper Nichols has re-signed for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks for the forthcoming 2021-22 BBL season.

The 25-year-old from Lakewood, Ohio returns to the club having represented the Sharks throughout the covid season of 2020-21 and hopefully will get the opportunity to display his talents in front of the Ponds Forge faithful this time around.

Nichols averaged 10.6 points per game for the Sharks in 20-21, shooting at a healthy 47% from the field and produced his professional career high points tally of 20 in the playoff second leg versus Newcastle Eagles back in May.

The 6’ 6” small forward spent his college career at the prestigious University of Illinois where he averaged 6.1 points per game with 2.9 rebounds. Notably he top-scored with 31 in the Big Ten Conference Tournament against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Madison Square Garden in February 2018.

Sharks Coach Atiba Lyons welcomed the return of Nichols to the roster for the new season.

‘Kipper completed his rookie season in challenging circumstances and we were pleased with the contribution he made to the team.’

‘He comes from a great programme and now that he knows our systems, we fully expect him to push on to the next level this season.’

Nichols joins returnees Mike Tuck, Jordan Ratinho, Oscar Baldwin, Nate Montgomery and Bennett Koch as well as new additions Marcus Delpeche, Aaron Anderson, Joe Jnr Mvuezolo and Jonathan Williams ahead of the season opener on Friday 24^th September against Cheshire Phoenix.

Prior to the big tip off, the Sharks take on Leicester Riders in a pre-season encounter at Ponds Forge on Friday 17^th September. Tickets are available for the game, which begins at 7.30pm, from the club on 0114 257 3180 or by email natasha.montgomery@thesheffieldsharks.com.