Former Orangeman Demetris Nichols ’07 Profiled by Syracuse.com

Demetris Nichols on new role as Syracuse grad assistant: “I drive to work each day with a smile on my face”

(Syracuse.com | Aug. 30, 2021) Demetris Nichols will begin taking classes toward his master’s degree at Syracuse University on Monday, but for the past few months, the former SU star has been teaching a master’s class in basketball for the current Orange players.

Nichols, who played at Syracuse from 2003 to 2007, returned to Syracuse in May after accepting a graduate assistant position.

While waiting for the start of the 2021 fall semester, Nichols was able to work out with Syracuse players over the summer at the Carmelo K. Anthony Center. But since grad assistants are prohibited from the on-court instruction associated with the head coach and the three assistants, Nichols has been spending most of his time “doing a lot of rebounding and passing” …

… When it came time to pick a master’s degree, Nichols decided upon the Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation program in SU’s School of Education.

“I decided I wanted a master’s degree in something that will prepare me and help me in this next coaching chapter,’’ Nichols said. “I like challenges and this is going to be a challenge, but I think it’s what I’m really supposed to be doing.’’

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