Reed Nikko will always remember his first Division I scholarship offer. It was the only one his father was alive to see; he died of a heart attack a day later.
The 6-foot-10 Maple Grove center couldn't picture becoming a high-major recruit then. His family and basketball team were devastated with such a sudden and shocking loss.
Nikko's father, known as "Coach Russ", had coached many of his teammates in various sports growing up. He was loved and respected throughout the community.
"It was something completely out of the blue," Nikko said. "Ever since then, every time I lace up to play, it's always been for him.