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Nic Louis-Jacques typically keeps the circle around him very tight. He admits to knowing a lot of people, but that very few actually know him.
He utilized that philosophy to his advantage over the last week or so as he whittled his college choice down before deciding over the weekend that he would accept a scholarship to play basketball next year at Colgate University.
“I had my pros and cons, and then I just talked with the closest people around me and came to the decision like that,” said Louis-Jacques, a postgrad student at Putnam Science Academy. “I tried to keep it between the people I’m closest to. I didn’t want to have a whole bunch of different people pulling me in 20 different directions.”
The 6-foot, 5-inch guard from Miami, Fla., ultimately chose the Raiders because of the relationships he built in a short time. Colgate started recruiting him toward the end of the summer, and only just offered him a scholarship in the last couple of weeks.
“I spent a lot of time talking with them and meeting with them on Zoom calls,” Louis-Jacques said. “It wasn’t just the coaching staff but with players to get a feel for things but also with academic advisors too. So it wasn’t just about basketball.”
Louis-Jacques also added that his mother, Nadia Jean Joseph, also liked the school and coaching staff a lot, which aided his decision. He said that gave him some comfort “because she reads people well.”
Colgate, located in central New York, is coached by Matt Langel, who led the team to a 25-9 record last season, including 14-4 in the Patriot League.
“I watched a lot of their film and studied how they play, and I feel like I can fit in their system offensively and defensively,” Louis-Jacques said. “It’s just the right place for me. Athletically, academically…I’m excited about it. A lot of people don’t have the opportunity I have so I am very grateful for it.”
Because of the irregularities that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused, PSA and Louis-Jacques have only played two games this season. But he showed off some of the offensive game he was known for coming in, averaging 10.5 points and knocking down six of his 11 3-point attempts.
“We’re real happy for Nic,” PSA coach Tom Espinosa said. “Colgate is getting a real good player, and we’ve only seen him for a little bit. But he’s not just a shooter. He can do a lot of things on the basketball court. He’s very talented. And he’s the kind of kid programs can win with because he does whatever you ask him to do. He’s been a pleasure for us and I’m sure the coaching staff at Colgate is going to feel the same way.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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