Mitchell believes the Mailors Flat teenager could take his basketball talents to a higher level.

"He would have every chance of going to play college (in America) if that's what he did want to do, with the talent he's got," he said.

"He's got talent but the work ethic and his coach-ability is off the charts too. He could go as far as he wanted to so we'll get the most of out of him as we can."

Nicolson, 17, plans to suit up for coach Mitchell in the Country Basketball League this summer before vying for a spot on the Seahawks' Big V roster in 2021.

The power forward harbours ambitions of playing for an American college and in the NBL, Australia's national competition.

Wherever he ends up one thing is certain - he will remember where he started.

Nicolson said coaches Jodie Keast, Craig McLeod and Rebel Noter had left an indelible mark.

"I started playing when I was nine years old at Koroit Basketball Association where I got a good first impression of what it was like," he said.

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"I moved to Warrnambool when I was 13 or 14 and since then I have been working with lots of different coaches trying to be the best I can.

"Jodie was at Koroit. She was my first coach and back then I played as a big so her role in everything - getting me to handle the ball, shoot and make lay-ups - was huge.

"Being younger it's not as complicated as now but it was the real basics you need to develop."

Basketball is Nicolson's number one goal but the Brauer College student, who will graduate in a few months' time, has been focusing on his study too as he aims for a teaching degree either on home soil or in the US.

The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out basketball seasons across Victoria but the determined teenager remained focused.

"It was a big shock and a struggle I guess to start with," Nicolson said of the first lockdown in March.

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"I was originally trying out for the Big V side and that all got cancelled.

"I have persevered and made do with what I have got. I have still been training everyday and keeping the ball in my hand as much as possible.

"I am hoping to come back fitter and stronger than what I was before it."

Nicolson hopes that dedication to his craft will help him in the CBL - a tier below Big V - when it returns, potentially later this year.

He is the CBL Seahawks' most valuable player defending champion.

"I am looking to have a big season. I think the people we have trying out are going to make a brilliant team," Nicolson said.

"We certainly have a stronger team than last year by the looks of it. Going off the end of last year, our chemistry got a helluva a lot better."

Nicolson, who also plays football for South Warrnambool, said he wanted to build on his 2019-20 efforts.

"I was one of the starters and what I give is just consistency," he said.

"Every game I'd go in and get 15 points and that was normally a guarantee.

"I'd put in my best effort; I don't think there would be a minute on the court that I am not trying my best and helping out my teammates on defence and offence."

Knowing the CBL is eager to get a season in - when state government restrictions ease - has given Nicolson a boost.

"I think it is at the stage where I was getting a bit down...now the CBL season is hopefully going ahead it brings everything into perspective and gives you that energy to keep pushing for the last couple of weeks until things get started," he said.