Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel Emerges From Shooting Slump

Commodores sharpshooter feels he's found his rhythm ahead of postseason play

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel has struggled with his shooting over the past few games, but the junior believes he's turned a corner after a strong performance in the team's win over Tennessee. Nickel took just three shots in the game, but felt his process was sound and that the Volunteers' defensive approach played to Vanderbilt's advantage.

Why it matters

Nickel is a key part of Vanderbilt's offense, averaging 13.7 points per game while shooting 40.2% from 3-point range. If he can regain his shooting touch, it will make the Commodores an even tougher out in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.

The details

In Vanderbilt's five games prior to the Tennessee win, Nickel had made just 9-of-42 shots from 3-point range. However, he felt the Volunteers' defensive strategy, which focused on taking him out of the game, actually played to the Commodores' advantage by opening up opportunities for his teammates. Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington expressed confidence that Nickel will bounce back, noting his experience in big games and ability to impact the game in other ways even when his shot isn't falling.

  • Nickel had struggled with his shooting in the five games prior to the Tennessee matchup, making just 9-of-42 3-pointers.
  • In the four games before the Tennessee win, Nickel went 6-of-33 from 3-point range.
  • Prior to the Saturday win, Nickel hadn't shot over 50% from the field in a game since Feb. 14.

The players

Tyler Nickel

A junior forward for the Vanderbilt Commodores, Nickel is the team's leading scorer, averaging 13.7 points per game while shooting 40.2% from 3-point range.

Mark Byington

The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, Byington expressed confidence that Nickel will bounce back and play a key role for the team in the postseason.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee really got me going. I wasn't forcing anything and was letting the game come to me.”

— Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt Forward (si.com)

“There's no change there, our entire team has confidence in him. He has confidence in himself. Sometimes you've got to look at Steph Curry, he has some bad shooting nights and missing some shots and all that. I thought he was really productive in Tennessee. Even without making shots, he had five tough rebounds. He did make a huge 3 and another one, his foot was on the line. It was almost another shot. Made two crucial free throws. What I like about a guy like him is he knows what the SCC tournament's about, he also knows what the NCAA tournament's about, and he'll play big coming up.”

— Mark Byington, Vanderbilt Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

Nickel and the Commodores will look to carry their momentum from the Tennessee win into the SEC and NCAA tournaments, where Nickel's experience and shooting ability will be crucial to Vanderbilt's success.

The takeaway

Nickel's ability to impact the game in multiple ways, even when his shot isn't falling, is a testament to his well-rounded skill set. If he can regain his shooting touch, Vanderbilt will be a dangerous team in the postseason.