Former HBCU Basketball Star Signs With NBA Team

The All-SWAC defender will compete for a roster spot this preseason.

Kyle T. Mosley | Sep 27, 2024

Joirdan Karl Nicholas / Credit: TSU Athletics and Amira Smith

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HOUSTON - Former Texas Southern star forward Joirdan Karl Nicholas signed with the Atlanta Hawks, according to the NBA team. Nicholas entered the 2023 NBA Draft process after helping to lead the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament with his strong defensive play and rebounding.

"Great to see his hard work, determination and dedication continuing to payoff," Coach Johnny Jones of Texas Southern noted to HBCU Legends. "Extremely proud of him!"

On Sept. 25, Atlanta's G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, received Joirdan Karl Nicholas' rights due to a three-team trade with the South Bay Lakers and Texas Legends. Nicholas can compete for a roster spot during the NBA preseason with the Hawks.

In his final season under coach Johnny Jones, he averaged 10.6 points, 1.5 assists, and 8.7 rebounds. Nicholas, 6-9, was also named to the 2022-2023 All-SWAC Second Team.

After going undrafted, Nicholas spent the 2023-24 season with the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League. In 39 games with 16 starts for South Bay, he averaged 8.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 19 minutes per game. Nicholas showed flashes of his potential, recording four double-doubles during the G League campaign.

Hoop Rumors reported that Joirdan Karl Nicholas made 19 game appearances for the Zonkeys de Tijuana Mexican basketball team during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 10 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

The Hawks' signing of Nicholas gives Atlanta extra depth and competition as they head into training camp. It's an excellent opportunity for the former HBCU basketball star to continue pursuing his NBA dreams after a successful college career and G League season. His strong rebounding and defensive abilities make him an exciting prospect to watch as the Hawks prepare for the 2024-25 season.

Published Sep 27, 2024|Modified Sep 27, 2024

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: