2025 F Nikolas Khamenia talks possible official visits
As the high school season was winding down, word started circulating from the west about a 2025 prospect from Studio City (CA) Harvard Westlake named Nikolas Khamenia. The 6-foot-7 forward is now averaging 23.6 points playing an age group up for his BTI United program on the New Balance PRO16 NXT 17u Circuit.
“I’d describe my game as versatile,” Khamenia told On3. “My ability to dribble, pass, and shoot; play inside and outside. I’m a huge Spurs fan, so I grew up watching a lot of Kawhi Leonard. The pride he took in defense, but also his fundamentals. I’ve watched a lot of film on Kobe Bryant and recently a lot of Nikola Jokic and how he can read the defense so well.”
On3 talked with Nikolas Khamenia after a recent live viewing to talk about his recruitment.
Khamenia talks recruitment
“I’m hearing from Cal, Gonzaga, and UCLA a good bit,” Khamenia said. “I visited UCLA and took an unofficial to Gonzaga last summer. I’m already talking with UCLA and Gonzaga about official visits.”
UCLA: “The way the coaches treated me really stood out. Coach (Mick) Cronin is a really nice guy, and he was really open to both me and my dad. He talked with us a lot about regular stuff and not even just basketball. It was a really cool time there.”
Cal: “I talk a lot to Coach (Adam) Mazarei there. It is always a good conversation in general with him. He talks about how much he likes my game, he’s been watching me since freshman year when he was at Vandy. He likes how I’ve been evolving and continuing to grow into a really good player. They tell me I fit the type of player they’re trying to bring in and win with.”
Gonzaga: “The environment up there was just crazy. I went up for their Craziness in the Kennel, and it was really cool to watch, really cool to see. The way the coaches treat the family, the way the players interact. That place really is like a true family up there. Even when talking with the coaches, they like my versatility. They use every player with what they have and utilize what skills they’re good at.”
In Khamenia’s words
“I grew up a huge fan of basketball,” Khamenia said. “Being a little kid, you dream of all these schools offering you, and then having a chance to actually go there, it’s pretty cool. Crazy to think about, really.
“I’m looking for a place I can go and be welcomed with open arms. A place that is like a family on and off the court, where I can talk to the coach about anything. I want to play for a coach that will utilize all my skills and my versatility.
“My dad, Val Khamenia, is a coach at LA Valley College. He played overseas in Russia. My mom had a whole bunch of offers, too. She went to high school in Florida but decided she didn’t want to play anymore.”