The KROX Radio Athlete of the Week is the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle Men’s Basketball player, Javier Nicolau, a 6’10 senior forward, from Castellon, Spain. This past week, Nicolau scored a career-high 18 points in Minnesota Crookston’s 92-63 win over Waldorf University. Nicolau also brought down 10 rebounds as in the win. The Spaniard also scored 9 points in the Golden Eagles’ NSIC-opening 88-72 win over Bemidji State. Through six games this season Nicolau has averaged 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game helping UMC achieve a 4-2 start to the season. “It has been great to see Javier’s growth from year one to now. He has gotten more confident and has grown each year he has been with us,” said UMC Coach Dan Weisse. “This past week he played very well on both ends of the floor. If we have a post presence it really helps our team and he gave us that. I’m looking forward to Javier being a big part of our program in his Senior year.”
During his second season with the Golden Eagles as a junior last year, Nicolau averaged 4.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game with starts in the team’s final 8 games. After joining Minnesota Crookston as a sophomore, Nicolau played in 29 games with two starts. Nicolau averaged 3.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Nicolau also managed 34 blocks and 11 steals.
Prior to UMC, 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 – Thirteen 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 – The Joker
Favorite TV program – Shark Tank
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, Dad and sister
Plans after graduation – Playing professional basketball in Europe
Family –
Dad – Javier Nicolau (Optician)
Mom – Paz Aledon (Banker)
Sisters – Marta (27, Fashion Designer)
