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Ex-UNC Basketball Talent Posting Career-High Averages for Third Team

A former one-year UNC basketball reserve is now a full-time starter at Vanderbilt.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball guard Tyler Nickel
Former UNC basketball guard Tyler Nickel / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Vanderbilt Commodores improved to 7-1 overall this season via their 87-56 home win over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles on Friday afternoon. Although starting guard Tyler Nickel tallied only six points, one rebound, and two assists in the contest, it's worth noting that he's already scored 30 points more than his total in 25 outings as a 2022-23 UNC basketball freshman under Hubert Davis.

ALSO READ: Future Tar Heel Guard Flies High in Atlanta

Nickel, a former four-star recruit out of East Rockingham High School (Va.) who came off the bench for the Virginia Tech Hokies last season before transferring to Vanderbilt for his junior campaign, is currently averaging a career-high 10.3 points and 2.9 rebounds as a Commodore.

Suiting up for first-year Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington, Nickel is shooting 41.3 percent from the field, 36.0 percent beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent at the charity stripe across his 22.9 minutes per game.

He averaged 24.3 minutes at Virginia Tech and only 6.0 with the Tar Heels.

Interestingly enough, Tyler Nickel and the Commodores next square off against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge at 9:15 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACC Network).

Hubert Davis' fourth UNC basketball squad, looking to rebound from back-to-back losses at the Maui Invitational, tips off its home bout against the Alabama Crimson Tide two hours prior (ESPN).

ALSO READ: Favorite Emerging for Priority UNC Recruiting Target

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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