The Willamette Valley Jaguars are thrilled to welcome Nico Abeyta as the newest addition to the team for the 2025 season. Nico’s journey to the Jags is a story of resilience, hard work, and an unshakeable love for basketball.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Vail, Arizona—a small town just outside Tucson—Nico grew up in a basketball family. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was six,” he shared. “I have three older brothers and one younger sister, and we all played. It’s just in our family.” Despite his early dedication to basketball, Nico decided to switch gears during his junior and senior years at Cienega High School, opting to focus on football instead.
After high school, basketball called Nico back, and he earned a spot on the Scottsdale Community College team in Arizona. Unfortunately, the entire 2021 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Refusing to let this setback derail his dream, Nico spent the next few years traveling across the U.S., attending tryouts and combines. His perseverance paid off in 2023 when he signed with the Truro Tide in Nova Scotia, Canada.
In early 2024, Nico had his first tryout with the WV Jags, but things didn’t go as planned—he was cut from the roster. Still, Nico’s faith and dedication kept him going. “All praises go to the man above,” he reflected on his journey. By the summer of 2024, Nico was playing in Sarasota, Florida, and when another opportunity with the Jags came up, he seized it. This time, he made the team.
Marion Clark, owner of the WV Jags, expressed his admiration for Nico’s character and perseverance. “Nico is a great character guy, a leader in the locker room, and wants to do the work. Sometimes it’s hard to find people who will step up versus step back when something doesn’t go their way. Nico not only didn’t give up; he came back and showed improvement in what we thought were the weak points in his game. Those are the guys you want around your program and your city.”
Nico’s goals for the upcoming season are clear and team-oriented. “My personal goal is to help the Jags win their first playoff games,” he said. “But my bigger goal is to help one of my teammates achieve their dream of landing an overseas contract. I love seeing my teammates succeed.”
Since moving to Oregon, Nico has embraced both the community and the basketball culture. “I’ve met so many awesome families and athletes who’ve helped me grow my game,” he shared. “I love the basketball culture out here, and I can’t wait to help grow the love of the game in the Willamette Valley.”
Nico also took a moment to express his gratitude to his previous team, the Sarasota Lions. “The Sarasota Lions allowed me to lead, and through that, I learned the necessary steps on how to be a leader of action. I’m also incredibly thankful to the Sarasota community for coming out and supporting me. It meant so much.”
Nico’s journey to the Jags may not have been easy, but his determination and passion for the game have earned him a spot on the team for 2025. “I owe a huge thanks to the Willamette Valley Jaguars and their staff,” Nico added. “They’ve been amazing and super supportive, even when I got cut last year. I’m grateful to be here, and I’m excited to contribute this season. Go Jags!”
With his leadership, resilience, and drive, Nico Abeyta is ready to make a difference on the court and help lead the WV Jags to success in the 2025 season.
See You On The Court!