Champaign, Ill.–University of Illinois head coach John Groce announced Tuesday that Kipper Nichols has joined the Fighting Illini program. Nichols is enrolled at the U of I for 2016 spring semester classes and participated in his first practice with the Illini on Monday.

Nichols is a 6-6, 220-pound forward from Cleveland who attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He averaged 18.6 points and 4.7 rebounds as as a senior, leading St. Edward to a state semifinals appearance. Nichols was named Division I Player of the Year by the Ohio Basketball Coaches Association and was a second-team All-Ohio selection by the Associated Press.

Nichols averaged 18.9 points and 5.1 rebounds as a junior, leading St. Edward to the 2014 Division I state championship while being named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Nichols played for head coach Eric Flannery at St. Edward and was a member of the King James AAU program, coached by Danyelle Love.

"Kipper is an extremely versatile player," Groce said. "He is aggressive, can score in a variety of ways and is a terrific defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. So his versatility stands out not just on offense, but on the defensive end as well.

"Kipper comes from an elite high school program and is a terrific student," Groce added. "By joining us right away in practice, he will be able to learn our system and transition to the college game, which will benefit him when he makes his return to the court."