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UCLA Basketball Recruiting: UCLA Lands #1 Point Guard Daishen Nix, an Overview

By Tyler Glaze

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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WESTWOOD, CA – JULY 17: View of atmosphere at 50K Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on July 17, 2018 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Idol Roc)
WESTWOOD, CA – JULY 17: View of atmosphere at 50K Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on July 17, 2018 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Idol Roc) /

If Nix has areas of improvement, they are his shooting mechanics, where his release is slightly low and somewhat slower than elite guards in the college and professional ranks.  And while he is already a skilled defender, he can stand to improve (as can all high school recruits), and he certainly will under the “if you don’t play defense, you don’t play” Cronin regime.

As an overall prospect, Daishen is reminiscent of players like Lonzo Ball; not elite athletically, but their elite skills and basketball IQ make them highly sought after floor generals.  UCLA fans would be hard pressed to find a better player to start off a recruiting class, or build a team around, than Nix.  His unselfish ability to set up other players is something every top recruit wants on their team, and will certainly be attractive to other targets UCLA covets like Ziaire Williams and Joshua Christopher.

Nix will be an excellent fit for Cronin’s style of play, as he is able to get the ball quickly upcourt,  break opponents down in the half court, spread the ball around to his teammates, and defend his position.  His overall talent level is exceptional, and his ceiling has yet to be reached.  UCLA fans could not draw up a better scenario for Cronin’s first commit, which bodes well for the future of UCLA basketball recruiting.  Every UCLA fan should be excited to see Nix suit up in Blue and Gold next season.