Story by Jeff Moeller, freelance sports correspondent

In his early youth, Drew Nudo’s mother, Jobei, set him on a path that has been very rewarding to him. 

But it wasn’t an easy journey.

“When I was four years old, my mom just signed me up to play and then basketball just grew on me,” recalled Nudo. “The biggest thing I had to overcome was my athleticism and my confidence. 

“I wasn’t always the fastest, so I had to work on my endurance. I also had to learn to trust myself on the court.”

Fortunately for him, Nudo solved his issues. 

This season, the 6-foot-3 Nudo continues to be a starter and a team captain for the Wildcats, Currently, he is averaging 12.1 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 steals. His production has increased from last year when he averaged 5.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5

Over the past few years, Nudo has learned to heighten his game and self-awareness. He also has increased his confidence among himself and his teammates.

“My game has improved throughout the years from learning from my mistakes and just understanding the game completely,” said Nudo. “I have worked on seeing the whole court and finishing around the rim. I feel like I started feeling comfortable in my junior year of high school. As one of the team captains I try to keep everyone’s head up when it’s not going our way.”

His head coach has appreciated his development. 

“He has improved a lot over the four years that he has been in the program," said Wildcats’ head coach Bill Henderson. “He was a starter for us last year, but was not nearly as effective as he has been this year.”

Henderson sees him as a complete player.

“He scores, he rebounds, he passes and handles the ball well, and he can guard multiple positions,” said Henderson. “His versatility is a great asset for us. He can play inside as a skilled post, or we can move him outside to the wing and have some more size in the position. 

“I’m really proud of how he handles himself on and off the court. He’s a great person, great teammate, and a great competitor. Those are the three things we value in our basketball players, and he checks all three boxes.”

Henderson will count on Nudo and the rest of his team down the stretch. He remains optimistic that his team will peak at the right time. The Wildcats recently evened their record at 11-11 and have a 2-6 regional record. 

Richmond Hill hosted Southeast Bulloch Tuesday, and will host Tift County Friday in a regional contest.  

“We’ve been inconsistent at times and let opportunities slip away, but our focus hasn’t changed,” said Henderson. “We’re focused on continuing to improve every day, and playing our best basketball at region tournament time.” 

Nudo would like to continue his career in college. In the meantime, though, Nudo will play his part in the team’s upcoming postseason. 

“If there's an opportunity to play on the next level, I would love to play,” said Nudo. “But if that doesn’t work out, I’ll go to trade school for HVAC. 

“I feel our team is really good and we could make a big run to the playoffs.”