RICHMOND, Va. -- After months of figuring out which school would be the best fit, Jason Nelson's final two choices were Richmond and Vanderbilt.
"It was very difficult and stressful," said the John Marshall point guard. "Hard nights and days. Just trying to figure out where I want to go and where I'm going to fit best at."
In the end, the chance for the John Marshall rising senior to play close to home was too tough to pass up as he made a verbal commitment to the University of Richmond.
"It was a big factor," said Nelson. "It wasn't the main but it was a big factor. The fan base when I went was crazy. And I feel like I can play in that environment."
Nelson chose Richmond over several schools including the Commodores, VCU, Norfolk State, and Howard.
"Richmond, they like small guards," Nelson stated. "I like how they run their system. I feel I fit in perfectly in their system and help them winner."
Nelson averaged more than 17 points per game and nearly six assists in his junior season. He was named the VHSL Class 2 State Player of the Year for John Marshall, who won their third state title in the last seven years. And with the stress of choosing a college in the rear-view mirror, he can focus on bringing another state title to John Marshall next season.
"It's a big weight off," Nelson explained. "Now I can focus on my high school season and all my accolades I want to achieve. It's a big weight off."
"That's huge to know my quarterback will have a free mind," said John Marshall head boys basketball coach Ty White.
"He's going to be confident. He going to do what he's naturally created to do and that's to be a leader and to help our team to another state title.
