Zamal Nixon needed to get used to more than just a new language, a seven-hour time difference and different style of basketball during his first year as a professional in Germany.
“I didn’t know how to drive a stick shift,” the former Xaverian and Boys & Girls guard said.
For three months, Nixon needed someone to drive him around whenever he needed groceries or wanted to hit the mall. He finally learned to use a stick shift, though he is far from an expert.
The 6-foot-1 point guard, however, didn’t need any help navigating around a basketball court in Germany.
“The adjustment wasn’t that hard,” Nixon said.
He helped lead the Herten Lions to a second-place finish in the Group North Division of Germany’s ProB League’s Group, the country’s second division. They eventually fell to Gotha in the semifinals. Nixon led the league in scoring at 24.9 points per game and also averaged six assists and three rebounds per contest.
“Now I just want to get to the top division in Germany or another country, keep trying to work my way up in Europe.” Nixon said.
The Brooklyn native enjoyed a stellar high school career. He played three seasons at Xaverian and was with the Clippers when they won the 2006 CHSAA Class AA city title. Nixon played his senior year at Boys & Girls, blossoming into one of the city’s top guards. He averaged 16 points, five assists and five rebounds and was invited to play in the Jordan Classic Regional game.
“I think a lot of people have forgotten who I am,” Nixon said.
He played three seasons under legendary University of Houston coach Tom Penders. The Cougars won the Conference USA title and made the NCAAA tournament during his junior season, Penders’ final year as coach. Nixon had 13 points in the title game win over UTEP.
Nixon would have his best season under new head coach James Dickey, starting 29 games and posting 10 points and five assists a night. Penders, he said, allowed the guard free reign in an up-tempo style, while Dickey’s system was more structured. Nixon got a chance to play through his mistakes and grow as a player.
“I was able to find a balance,” he said. “Sometimes you need to go into the post and milk time off the clock. You don’t always need a quick shot.”
The lighting quick guard is now getting a chance to finally show his talents off on the New York City streetball circuit after spending the majority of his college summers in Houston. Nixon is playing for the Sean Bell All-Stars in several Nike-sponsored leagues and with the Brooklyn-based X-Men at Nike Pro-City. He dropped in 16 points and six assists Tuesday night in a 123-106 win over Queensbridge.
“Now I am getting to spend my summers in New York,” Nixon said. “This is the best thing to do, play in all the streetball leagues. There is a lot of good competition. You really get to prepare yourself for your upcoming seasons.”
He hopes it leads to the next level of his budding career.