As he began his junior year of high school, Nick Pringle was barely on anyone’s college basketball radar. Three years later, the former Whale Branch sensation is on his way to help propel a budding national title contender.
At the beginning of his career at Whale Branch Early College High School, Pringle certainly didn’t fit the build of a college prospect. Nothing much was handed to him over the years, but the young man put in the work at every step. He started his freshman season at around 6-foot-2 but did everything he could to mold himself into an ideal college forward.
After a terrific junior year as a Warrior, Pringle broke out on the AAU scene over the summer, shining with Team TMP out of Charleston. The then 6-foot-8 forward wowed scouts with his versatility on the court as a stellar outside shooter, post player, and defender.
It didn’t take long for the offers to begin rolling in during the fall of 2019, and Pringle decided on a Wofford program coming off an NCAA tournament appearance. He finished his Whale Branch career with a magical season, leading the Warriors to a Lower State championship capped off by a monster two-handed, game-tying jam before the future Terrier scored six more in OT to earn a trip to the state finals. Pringle dominated his competition at the 2A high school level, and he was more than prepared to jump into the Southern Conference.
In just his second game as a Terrier, Pringle made his presence known, posting a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds against Carver. But despite the encouraging start, the Lowco star rarely saw much action the rest of the way, playing less than 10 minutes in each of the remaining games that season.
Pringle had high aspirations for his future basketball journey, and he decided that his chances were brighter in new horizons. He took his game to Dodge City Community College in Kansas, looking to earn big minutes and showcase his skills as a true Division I forward. He hit the ground running in his first game on Monday, shooting 80% from the field and hauling in 10 rebounds including three on the offensive glass.
The terrific performance was the culmination of a summer where he refined his game and grew his outstanding quickness, explosiveness, and vertical abilities on the court. The best Division I coaches know that the junior college ranks are teeming with capable talent, and some big programs quickly looked his way.
Earlier this week, Pringle narrowed down his list of offers down to five, a group including Bobby Huggins and West Virginia. But the Whale Branch phenom chose Nate Oats and an Alabama program on a meteoric rise. Starting next fall, Pringle will take his show to the SEC to help a top program make that final step to a potential national title.
He’s come a long way from a forgettable piece of a small 2A team in South Carolina. In fact, we left him to honorable mention status on our All-Lowco team after his junior season. But he went to work the next summer, and he’s been shining ever since. Now, the whole country will be watching next winter, and certainly next March, as our very own continues his inspirational journey on the hardwood.
By Wes Kerr
