The KROX Radio Athlete of the Week is University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle Men’s Basketball player, Javier Nicolau, a 6’10 Junior forward, from Castellon, Spain. This past weekend, Nicolau started both games playing a 
combined 43 minutes while averaging 13 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game. Nicolau scored a career-high 17 points in Saturdays win over Concordia-St. Paul and also helped UMC earn its first-ever win over Minnesota State on Friday night. Nicolau has started three straight games and is averaging 7 rebounds per game and 12 points per games as a starter while shooting 5-6 from the three-point line over this three-game stretch. Nicolau is averaging 3.8 points per game this season along with 2.9 rebounds per game helping the Golden Eagles win a program record 15 games so far this season. UMC is 15-12 overall and 8-10 in NSIC play heading into their final home weekend of the regular season this Friday and Saturday against Minot State and UMary. “Number one his rebounding has been really good,” explained Minnesota Crookston head coach Dan Weisse of Nicolau’s recent success. “I thought this weekend was his best weekend since he’s been a Golden Eagle which is great news considering he’s coming back for us next year. He’s also brought the three ball to life. He’s done it in practice, but now he’s starting to make some in games as well.”
Prior to Minnesota Crookston, Nicolau played two seasons for UCAM Murcia. In 2016-17, he averaged 21.5 minutes per game for his squad. In addition, Nicolau averaged 7.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 32% from beyond the arc and 55% from the field. In his first season at UCAM Murcia, Nicolau played in 18 games and averaged 17.7 minutes per game while averaging 5.2 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game.
First started playing basketball – 13 years old
What do you feel is the strongest part of your game – Defense and length
Part of your game that needs work – Shooting and driving
Favorite Gym –Fuente de San Luis in Valencia, Spain
Do you have a pre-game ritual –Take a nap
Favorite sport – Basketball
Favorite sports team – Real Madrid
Favorite athlete– Rafael Nadal
Last movie you’ve seen – Incredibles 2
Favorite TV program –South Park
Favorite food – any Spanish food
What music are you listening to – Hip-hop
You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – Mom, Oscar, sister
Plans after graduation – Playing professional basketball in Europe
Family –
Dad – Javier Nicolau (Optician)
Mom– Paz Aledon (Banker)
Sisters – Martai (26, Fashion Designer)
