GTCC sharpshooter Nikel Rodgers breaks NJCAA record without breaking character

“That’s what the brotherhood is all about. And that’s what GTCC is all about—being together on and off the court,” Rodgers said.

Unassuming is the perfect word to describe Nikel Rodgers.

The 19-year-old Guilford Technical Community College sophomore guard recently had a viral, record-breaking moment on the basketball court, knocking down 17 three-pointers in one game.

But after every shot, he immediately fell back on defense. No posing or posturing—all business. Even after the game, after scoring 54 points in the Titans’ 105‑68 win over Pitt Community College and setting a National Junior College Athletic Association record with those 17 3‑pointers, it was Rodgers’ teammates who did most of the celebrating.

They surprised Rodgers by dousing him with water as he entered the locker room and tackled him with hugs, high fives, and cheers.

“That’s what the brotherhood is all about. And that’s what GTCC is all about—being together on and off the court,” Rodgers said of the postgame celebration. “So I felt great to have my teammates celebrate me.”

Even GTCC Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, Kirk Chandler was celebrating from the sidelines.

"He's that kind of a shooter, anyhow," Chandler said. "Quite honestly, it wasn't surprising. We got to the point we were a little surprised when he missed because he is, in my estimation, the best perimeter shooter in the league."

Basketball has always been a huge part of Rodgers’ life.

“Basketball runs in my family. All of my uncles on my mom’s side played and I had the same inspiration for it. I started playing in a rec league when I was nine,” Rodgers said.

But Rodgers developed an appreciation and understanding of responsibility outside of basketball when he was a teenager. The oldest of four siblings, he was raised by a single mom and his father had serious health issues.

“My mom raised me alone with my three siblings and she needed my help to raise my siblings. I would help my mom with chores and help pay the bills,” said Rodgers.

“Growing up my dad was always sick and when I was older, he was in the hospital a lot and going to doctors’ appointments. When I got older, I started to realize what my dad was going through on dialysis. Even with that and being in the hospital a lot, he would still make it to my games.”

Rodgers’ junior year playing ball at East Wake High School in Zebulin, North Carolina, was a pivotal moment for him.

“I didn’t’ play a lot when I was a junior, but I knew I could do more on the court. I realized I wanted to play at a higher level and in college. I had motivation to work harder,” Rodgers reflected.

That motivation, plus the arrival of Craig Wilson as East Wake’s head coach, proved to be a game changer.

“Coach Craig called me over the summer and said I was a good shooter, and he was excited to work with me,” recalled Rodgers. “He made me better than I ever thought I could be. He looked out for me and wanted to see me win. He knew my situation and where my drive comes from and that I had a chip on my shoulder.”

Craig had been coached by GTCC Coach Kirk Chandler at Barton College and arranged for Rodgers to visit the college.

Rodgers recalls that visit: “It was beautiful here, better than where I was originally from. After the visit, I decided on GTCC because I had a gut feeling. My dad told me to choose where my heart was, and it was at GTCC.”

Rodgers is on course to earn his associate in business from GTCC in May and says he may be interested in marine biology or zoology when he moves on to a four-year school next fall.

Basketball will also be in his future. His stock has risen immensely among four-year college coaches since his record-setting performance two weeks ago.

“I’ve always dreamed I’d play at a four-year school after this,” said Rodgers. “I had already been hearing from a few schools before my night against Pitt Community College. However, the schools that have reached out have probably tripled since that night. Some in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, and of course, North Carolina.”

Regardless, Rodgers says he’s ready for what is next.

"Growing up, I just wanted to be respected on the court," Rodgers said. "After my performance, I feel like I've earned that. That goal is complete, now I have more to accomplish. I can't stop where I am now because I'm already headed to the top."