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Pike Liberal Arts Patriot Nick O’Brien announced back in January he was joining the Troy Trojans as a Walk-on. Since then, the former Patriot has been working out and putting up shots on a daily basis, eager to improve for his first appearance on the court.

O’Brien was one of the leaders on a Patriot team that advanced to the AISA Final Four in 2019 and the State championship in 2020. Now, O’Brien is looking forward to the next step.

“We’ve had some meetings just to get to know each other,” O’Brien said. “I feel confident about what we can do this year.”

O’Brien last played in the Patriots championship game in February. Since that final game, O’Brien has tried his best to workout and practice as much as he can.

“It’s been tough,” O’Brien said. “I have gotten up and worked out, while getting shots up. Making sure to stay in shape so when we do start, I can be ready to go.”

It hasn’t always been easy for O’Brien since the arrival of COVID-19 this spring. Even with the threat of the virus, O’Brien has been able to find extra time to get some work in.

“It’s actually been easier because I have been able to stay at the house and do my stuff in the mornings,” O’Brien said. “I would say a good two hours every morning I’m getting some shots up and getting in the weight room.”

O’Brien will have the opportunity to play under second year head coach Scott Cross. O’Brien had the opportunity to play with coach Cross’s Austin this past season at Pike Liberal Arts.

“Coach Cross is great,” O’Brien said. “He is a high character person. During our Zoom meetings he has high energy and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun playing for him.”

When O’Brien does arrive on campus he will be joining the team as a walk-on. O’Brien knows playing time will be sparse at least early, but he is ready to help make an impact with his team in other ways.

“I want to be able to bring some energy, even if it’s just in practice,” O’Brien said. “As long as I bring energy and enthusisasm I can go out and play.”

O’Brien will be a newcomer on the team along with a very strong recruiting class that includes Antwan Burnett, Duke Miles and Kam Woods.

“There has been a lot of excitement,” O’Brien said. “It’s been a huge recruiting haul. There is a lot of excitement bringing in a lot of new players.”