Derrick Nix is not a bad basketball player. Just a freshman, the nimble, 6'8", 260 lb center is averaging 4.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg in his first four games as a Spartan. More importantly, Nix is averaging 3.8 offensive boards while shooting a respectable 50% from the field.
The issue for Nix isn't rebounding the ball. It isn't his back-to-the-basket game or his passing ability. It isn't necessarily on the defensive end, either.
Nix's issue comes at the free throw line. Through four games, Nix has made just one free throw.
In 16 attempts.
You heard that right.
Derrick Nix is 1-16 from the foul line. That's 6.25%. I could shoot better than that left-handed. You could pull the drunkest freshman out of the Breslin Center's student section, and on any given night I bet that kid can shoot better than 1-16.
Arinze Onuaku is the worst free throw shooter I have ever seen, and he flutters around 30%. By comparison, going 5-16 from the line would make you a 31.3% shooter.
So what's the problem?
It has to be a mental issue. I refuse to believe that someone that has played basketball their entire life can possibly be that poor of a shooter. Regardless of the reason, Nix better figure it out soon. Tom Izzo isn't going to like that many missed free throws.
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