Andrew Nicholson (basketball)
A skilled big man from Canada who carved out a respected professional career across the globe after a standout college tenure.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Canadian basketball player·Birthday: December 8·Millennials
Biography
Andrew Nicholson's basketball journey is a testament to consistency and adaptability. At St. Bonaventure University, he developed from a promising recruit into a dominant Atlantic 10 force, finishing as the program's second-all-time leading scorer and leaving as the conference Player of the Year. The Orlando Magic selected him in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft, valuing his polished footwork and soft shooting touch for a power forward. While his NBA role fluctuated over five seasons with several teams, Nicholson never defined himself by a single league. He seamlessly transitioned to a starring role overseas, first in China and later in South Korea, where his efficient scoring and professional demeanor made him a valued import. His path reflects the modern global game—a player whose fundamental skills and steady demeanor provided a long, successful career on multiple continents.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2012 after a stellar senior season at St. Bonaventure.
- Finished his college career as St. Bonaventure's second-all-time leading scorer with 2,103 points.
- Selected 19th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2012 NBA Draft, playing five seasons in the league.
- Won a Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019.
Did You Know?
He graduated from St. Bonaventure with a degree in physics.
He is of Jamaican descent and has represented the Jamaican national team in international competition.
He was known for his effective use of a hook shot, an old-school move in the modern game.
“I worked on my hook shot every day until it was automatic.”
