St. Patrick basketball star has several Division 1 offers. His main focus now? Winning
Nick Krass has a hefty decision ahead of him. The late college basketball signing period is in just three months and the St. Patrick star is holding several Division I offers.
But the stat-stuffing guard isn’t focused on that just yet.
Krass still has the rest of the regular season and a postseason run ahead of him before he has to worry about where he’s taking his talents next.
The Fighting Irish are playing 3A ball this year after climbing to the third round of the 2A state tournament last season. The level up in classification hasn’t slowed St. Patrick down, though, as the team’s season record currently rests at 20-1.
“We actually lost our first game but since then we’ve tightened things up and have been on a really good win streak,” Krass told the Sun Herald. “We’re looking forward to that going into the playoffs.”
St. Patrick dropped the season opener to Bay High by just one point and have since rattled off 20 consecutive wins. Krass has been a big part of that, averaging close to 25 points per game and topping out with a season-high 38.
The Fighting Irish are 4-0 in regional play with six more region games and an anticipated bout with Ocean Springs remaining on the docket.
The high stakes basketball is enough to keep Krass’ mind on what’s directly in front of him.
“I’m just trying to play good, win some more games, win a state championship and see where it takes me in the spring,” Krass said.
The senior is a former Ole Miss commit who is currently holding onto four offers. Krass originally committed to the Rebels last March but announced in November he was opening up his recruitment.
“I feel like I committed too early and it kind of killed my recruitment a little bit,” Krass said. “I just wanted to open it back up and see what other options came my way.”
Upon reopening his recruitment, Krass received offers from Tarleton State and Navy. He’s also began hearing more from other schools, including Southern Miss.
The Golden Eagles initially made an offer to Krass last spring and have re-upped their efforts to get him on campus. Krass had planned to make an unofficial visit to Hattiesburg this weekend.
Beyond Ole Miss, Krass is beginning to garner interest from other major conference programs. Oregon State was in town to visit Krass during St. Patrick’s 71-65 win over Tylertown last week. The Beavers haven’t offered yet, but Krass said they are staying in contact with him.
Krass is still keeping his options open for now but says he wants to play against the best competition as possible in order to continue improving on his game.
“I want to play at the highest level possible against the best competition,” Krass said. “The end goal is to be a professional but I have to be a good college player first. So I’m going to explore my options and see what best suits me.”
Even with the pressures of choosing where to take his talents, Krass is adamant about where his focus lies.
“I’m not really worried about it right now,” Krass said. “I’m just focusing on my season and working hard. It’ll all work out.”
St. Patrick has St. Stanislaus and Jefferson Davis up next on its regional schedule. The Fighting Irish are eyeing a rare 30-win season after coming away with 24 victories a year ago.
Krass will have an opportunity to reach that milestone and follow it up with the biggest decision of his life and basketball career.
This story was originally published January 16, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
