University of Georgia Athletics
Quick Chat: Javyn Nicholson
January 16, 2020 | Women's Basketball, The Frierson Files
By John Frierson
Staff Writer
Javyn Nicholson grew up idolizing Maya Moore, one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time. As role models go, they don't come much better.
A 6-foot-2 freshman forward from Lawrenceville, Ga., Nicholson was a star at Collins Hill High School, as Moore was before her. Moore went on to become a legend at UConn and beyond, while Nicholson's career is still in its infancy. She's already had her moments though: Nicholson poured in 22 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes against Gardner-Webb last month.
During a Quick Chat before practice Wednesday, Nicholson talked about her start in basketball, adjusting to college on and off the court, being the tall girl in school and much more. Here's some of what she had to say:Â
Frierson: How old were you when you first started playing basketball?
Nicholson: I was pretty young, I would say 5 or 6. My mom tells the story whenever she gets the opportunity: I was outside one day and she just saw me with a random basketball, and I was out there dribbling it. She knew from then that I was going to be in this sport and that it was what I wanted to do.
Frierson: Who was the first player that you looked up to?
Nicholson: Maya Moore. I remember actually printing off a picture of the trophy she won, I think at UConn, and it was on my wall, one of the goals that I wanted to achieve when I grew up.
Frierson: Did you ever meet her?
Nicholson: I did, actually. I took a picture with her and talked to her a little bit.
Frierson: When you look at her game, what do you admire the most?
Nicholson: Everywhere she goes she finds a way to win. I think that's something she prides herself in, being able to win and taking that leadership role and being the one to step up and make it happen. That's what I love about her the most.
Frierson: We're still early in January, so do you have any goals or things you want to do or experience in 2020?
Nicholson: Basketball-wise, I want to keep maintaining my work ethic and just keep making sure I do something every day to get better. Besides that, just focus on school and always do my best in the classroom.
Frierson: Has college been about what you expected?
Nicholson: It's been kind of different. I thought I was going to come in, and this was false reality obviously, but I was going to come in and have a better start to the season. But I realized how big of an adjustment it is and how it's going to take me a little time to get into the rhythm of things.
Frierson: What about college life in general, being on your own and having to make your way in this new world?
Nicholson: My mom let me be independent pretty early in my life so it wasn't really that big of a change. I knew how to do my laundry, I knew I had to wash dishes, things like that that you have to figure out when you first get to college. I think my mom did a great job raising me and getting me ready for this.
Frierson: What's something you could eat every day and never get tired of it?
Nicholson: Juicy Crab. Have you had it? Do you like seafood?
Frierson: I do like seafood and no, I've never heard of Juicy Crab.
Nicholson: In the Duluth area, there's a place called The Juicy Crab and they specialize in seafood — they do other stuff too but it's basically like a seafood boil and they have these special sauces and seasonings that you can get. I love it and I try to go every time; every weekend we're free, I try to go.
Frierson: Who is the funniest person on the team?
Nicholson: That's a tough one. I would definitely say Maya (Caldwell), she's hilarious and she's one of those people that's just funny without even trying. She always makes me laugh, even when I'm having a bad day.
Frierson: When did you hit your growth spurt? Or were you always the tall one in your classes?
Nicholson: I would say about sixth grade was when I really noticed that I was a lot taller than everybody — sixth, seventh and eighth (grades) was when I got a lot taller, taller than the boys and everything. In high school, I was still obviously taller than most girls.
Frierson: Were you cool with it or was it sometimes tough? Kids are kids and standing out for whatever reason can be a challenge sometimes.
Nicholson: I was always fine with it. I always knew I was going to be tall because my dad is 6-8 and my mom is 5-11, so I already knew, and my brothers are tall, too. I just had to show up with confidence and not be ashamed of it.
Frierson: Do you have a creative side? Is there something creative you do or wish you could do?
Nicholson: I wish I could draw, but I guess the most creative thing for me, I think style is really creative and I have a passion for shoes, clothes and things like that.
Frierson: If you could go anywhere in the world on somebody else's dime, where would you like to go?
Nicholson: Jamaica.
Frierson: You got that out without even thinking about it. Why Jamaica?
Nicholson: Just the island vibe, I've always wanted to go there. If it wasn't Jamaica it would probably be Greece. I like Greek food, I like trying different foods. Greece is just a beautiful place and Jamaica is a beautiful place, as well.
Frierson: In a perfect world, what are you doing 10 years from now?
Nicholson: Coaching. Well, 18 to 28, so either transitioning from playing professionally to coaching or still playing professionally.
Frierson: When did you know that coaching was something you might want to do?
Nicholson: I knew pretty early, maybe freshman year or sophomore year (of high school). I knew I always wanted to stay in basketball in any way possible, so if that's coaching or training or whatever, I knew I wanted to be involved because it's something I love and am passionate about.
(This Q&A was lightly edited for length and clarity.)
John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.
