SALT LAKE CITY — From the time he could barely hold a basketball, let alone dribble or shoot it, Nicholas Paulos has dreamed of one thing — playing college basketball.
"Basketball is my passion, my whole life," said the 6-foot-7 all-state guard who graduated from Olympus High in 2010. "Everything in my life has involved basketball."
So imagine his disappointment when a former college coach and trusted friend told him and his parents that he might have to do something they'd never even considered if he wanted to make his dream a reality: Attend a prep school first.
"Prep schools were introduced to us by our friend Jim Harrick, who was working with Nicholas," said father Bill Paulos, referring to the former UCLA head coach. "He suggested it after his junior year. He said he was the perfect prep school kid because he had high-level skills, but a body that hadn't caught up yet. Going to a prep school would give him an extra year to develop."
It was not what they wanted to hear.
"It was a twist," said Bill Paulos.
Especially since the family didn't know anything about prep schools, which are prevalent on the East Coast but a rarity out west. So they continued to do what they'd always done. Nick spent the summers playing on an AAU team and worked hard to gain weight and improve his game during the high school season.
But with no offers from colleges that he wanted to attend by the end of his senior season, Nicholas and his parents decided to look at the prep school option more seriously. They talked to a number of coaches, including Utah State assistant Chris Jones, who recommended the school Nicholas eventually chose to attend — New Hampton School.
Jones said the prep academies and the tournaments they are involved in have become a valuable recruiting resource for college coaches.
Utah State just signed Adam Thoseby, a 6-foot-4 guard from England, who spent last season at Maine Central Institute Prep, where he helped the team to a AAA title.
"They're great," said Jones of the prep school leagues and tournaments. "It's just more options that you have to see kids. Adam was over playing in the UK and traditionally the UK is not a great place to play basketball."
But his decision to play at MCI, which Jones called one of the best prep schools in the league, meant playing "30 games against really good competition. He got himself to a position where he could get a Division I option. It's a great tool, and it's awesome that so many kids are going to prep schools."
Though most coaches and the Paulos family caution it's not an option for every student-athlete, it is especially helpful in two situations.
First, if a student has struggled academically or is missing classes required by the NCAA.
Second, if a student-athlete is young or slow to mature, prep school can act as a redshirt year where they can improve their skills and get stronger and bigger, which makes them more competitive at higher levels.
BYU junior Charles Abouo graduated from Logan High in 2007 and was named the 3A MVP. But when he didn't get the offers he wanted, he chose to go to Brewster Prep Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., after which he earned a scholarship to BYU.
"I think they are a legitimate tool," said Utah Utes men's basketball assistant coach Andy Hill. "It is a valuable asset for players, because they can get an extra year of playing without burning up their NCAA eligibility. It can be a win-win for the student athlete and for the college as well."
After discussions with other athletes and coaches, the family decided the unusual route might be just what Nicholas needed.
"At that point it seemed like a no-risk situation," Bill Paulos said. "He had nothing to lose. He felt like he could do nothing but upgrade his standing in terms of college."
Bill said his assumption that prep school would be expensive was correct. Tuition to the school Nicholas ended up attending, New Hampton School, is about $40,000. Luckily, Nick was able to earn a scholarship to cover part of the tuition.
Even with assurances from people they trusted and financial assistance, Bill Paulos said it was a gut-wrenching decision.
"Absolutely we had reservations," said Paulos. "I've got to tell you, though, nothing has made me more proud than to see him pack up and go across country and pursue his dream alone."
And it wasn't long before mom and dad had confirmation that they'd made the right decision.
"He called me five days into this thing and said, 'Dad, I think we did the right thing,'" Bill said. "He was seen by more Division I college coaches in the first two weeks than in all of his playing days."
But just because it was the right decision, doesn't mean it was easy.
"It was a difficult at times," Nicholas said. "I didn't have a lot of freedom, there was a lot going on. I had an understanding of why I was there. I was able to remain focused on why I was there … and eventually achieve a college scholarship."
Nicholas took AP and International Baccalaureate classes, for which he received college credit, so he felt benefited academically as much as he did athletically.
In deciding how to best help a child navigate the complicated post-high school world, Bill Paulos said it's best to ask the opinion of those in the know.
"The best thing people can do is get someone else to evaluate your child," he said. "Find those people who will be painfully honest. Don't listen to Uncle Bob or your own heart. Listen to the people who get paid to do this."
Bill Paulos asked Todd Phillips, now the head coach at Salt Lake Community College, to be that reality check for him. That assessment helped the family decide between the offers Nick had, junior college and prep school.
Bill Paulos said the prep school option is not for everyone, but it is more viable than some may understand.
"It was a tremendous experience for Nicholas," said Bill. "I would only recommend it to a young man who is passionate about basketball, who wants to get up every morning and go to the gym. This is a high-level experience. If it's a casual hobby, then this is not the answer. It's rough.
They work on their game six to eight hours and then they go to class. It's a hard sacrifice. It's really like college."
It was so intense, Nicholas jokingly referred to the school as "the prison."
But Nicholas said that's what he signed up for. The prep school had college-like classes and state-of-the-art facilities.
"He played against the best competition in the country," said Bill. "He's 18 pounds heavier and he's probably 50 percent better."
Nick Paulos said he feels fortunate that his decision to attend a prep school led him to that college scholarship he's always dreamed of. He signed with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in November.
Nicholas Paulos wasted no time living his dream. He enrolled in summer school and is already working out with his new teammates.
As for whether he's putting too much emphasis on a game, he understands it might look that way.
"I'd be lying to say I don't want to play in the NBA," he said. "At the same time, you have to look at it humbly. That might not be possible for me. I'm going to just enjoy these four years and play at the highest level I can. I'm also going to get a great education and set myself up for success."
He said he has learned a lot taking a road he never expected to travel.
"I just learned that if you're willing to dedicate yourself and achieve your goal of playing, there is a direction you can go, a road you can take that will allow you to be part of that dream," said Nicholas. "The prep school was the perfect place for me."
email: adonaldson@desnews.com