"Going back to not having any postseason play last year, that hurts," Nivins said. "It's something I want to build on. This team that I have, this group of guys, I think we've got a chance to do something more positive and more special this year."
Coach Phil Martelli, entering his 13th season as the head man on Hawk Hill, said Nivins "needs to be in the conversation for Atlantic Ten player of the year" by the end of the season.
"That happens when your teams wins. It's almost like a yin and a yang," Martelli said. "If Ahmad is going to get the recognition that his game deserves, that means our team is going to win. If we don't win, he won't get the recognition. But if he doesn't play well, we're not going to win, either. So he's a really important part."
Nivins added to his post-up offense in the off-season, learning more of a face-up game and ballhandling at a small-forward camp conducted by NBA star Vince Carter. He received an invitation to the U.S. Pan American Games team trials at Haverford College.
Even though he did not make the final cut, Nivins said the experience helped his game.
"To be out there with high-profile guys, guys that pretty much dominate in their league and on their teams, I think that benefited me a lot," he said. "Hopefully, I'll use what I learned there to try to make some noise over here."
Nivins will have plenty of help in the Hawks' frontcourt, which is arguably the best unit in the Atlantic Ten.
Pat Calathes, a 6-10 senior who can play all five positions, was second in scoring and rebounding and led the team in assists while shooting 84.6 percent from the line. Rob Ferguson, a 6-8 senior, is a rock-steady presence who averaged 11.3 points last season.
