Unsigned Senior Spotlight - Niko Bossinakis
Suffield Academy post-graduate guard Niko Bossinakis came to New England after an incredibly decorated high school career in his home state of Texas, finishing as his school's all-time leading scorer and earning all-district honors in all four years of his career, alongside a long list of other accolades.
While he continued to put up big numbers this year in the NEPSAC, Bossinakis isn't a player whose worth can be measured by stats or awards, no matter how impressive they may be.
His intangibles, from his grit to his IQ, are as impressive as his skill-set and physical strength, and it is the sum total of it all that has enabled him to impact winning at every level he's been at thus far.
By the Numbers
Size: 6-3
2019-20 Stats: 13.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG
Academics: 3.6 GPA & 26 ACT
Awards & Accolades
* 2,100+ Career Points (HS & Prep)
* Colleyville Heritage All-Time Leading Scorer (1,793 PTS)
* 4X All-District Selection (TX 5A)
* 3X Star-Telegram Player of the Week
* 3X Team Most Valuable Player
* 3X Team Captain
* 2X Team Offensive Player of the Year
* 2X Academic All-District
* 2X Pangos All-American
* DFW All-Star
* Ranked Top 60 in GASO TX Rivals 2019 Class
* NEPSAC Class A All-New England HM
Peronsonal Statement
"Most importantly I would want everybody to know that I play basketball for the love of the game. It's what propels me to compete, to improve, and to be a teammate as we strive for common success. I would rather allow my performance to speak for itself as I feel that I have been a success at every level, and my motivation is stronger when there are doubters. After having a successful high school career in one of the largest classifications in Texas with nearly 1,800 points I decided to continue my development with a prep year at Suffield in the NEPSAC. I wanted to add to my game prior to attending college, and my NEPSAC experience made me a more complete player, a player ready to immediately contribute both on and off the court at the college level.
Over the years I have appreciated the many coaches who have watched my games, contacted me and continue to contact me. I have been fortunate to receive a few offers but I am looking for a good fit between academics, basketball and community. I am a clutch shooter from 3-point range as I averaged 42% over most of my high school career, and I have the ability to create my own shot off the dribble. I believe my best basketball is ahead of me."
Recommendations
"It all starts with toughness. Niko is one of the best shooters in the country, has a high IQ, and can score on all levels. The thing that makes his game translate to the D1 level is his toughness and willingness to compete. He plays as hard as anyone I have ever seen. He's super scrappy and gets to his spots. He understands how to move without the ball to create space for himself and his teammates. He's also a deceptive ball-handler, like Manu Ginobili. He is also really strong in the air around the rim. I think these attributes will make him a successful player at the division I level."
- Jason Lott, Head Coach, DFW Defenders
"Niko can make shots from the perimeter off the catch or the bounce, he loves the old-school pull up jumper, and he is crafty finishing around the rim. While he played all four perimeter positions for us this year, he has great size for his true position as a 6'3" shooting guard at the college level. Niko has made incredible progress since completing a storied career at Colleyville Heritage High School (TX). After adding 15 pounds of muscle over the summer, Niko arrived at Suffield and adjusted quickly to playing alongside and against a higher level of competition every day. He has eagerly learned more about on- and off-ball defense, shot selection, rebounding, and opponent scouting. He is a warrior that plays through injuries and always puts the team winning ahead of personal gains. Whichever college coach takes a chance on him will benefit from a high-character, no-nonsense, hard-working, and talented student-athlete adding daily energy to their program."
- Matthew Fava, Head Coach, Suffield Academy
Scouting Report
There isn't much about Bossinakis' game that doesn't translate to the next level. He has a college ready body, plays very hard, is skilled and unselfish with a high basketball I.Q. He shoots it well from the three-point line, not just spotting up but also on the move, and has the type of high and compact release that will allow him to get his shot off without much separation when the game speeds up at the next level. He's far from one-dimensional offensively though as he utilizes his shot-fake well, has a good pull-up game, and can also get downhill in a hurry given a lane to the rim. Bossinakis is also a willing ball-mover who understands spacing and how to move without the basketball. His competitive nature and high I.Q. are both good indicators of how his game will translate defensively as well, while his strong body and positional size should provide him with some added versatility on that end.
Video Highlights
Niko Bossinakis