Q&A with Michigan Commit Dillon Nowicki

December 15, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2018 RHP Dillon Nowicki of Stoughton recently committed to Michigan. He becomes the fifth player to commit from Wisconsin’s 2018 Class. With his commitment he joins 2015 grad Jack Bredeson, 2016 grad Dominic Clementi, and 2017 grad Ben Dragani to commit to the Wolverines out of Wisconsin. Here is a report on him from this past high school season.

6/4/15 - One of the top ranked prospects in a loaded 2018 class in Wisconsin. 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, lean loose frame. Athletic delivery, improved athleticism and delivery from the stretch. Loose quick arm action, high ¾ slot, arm possesses high upside. Lively fastball sat 83-85 mph, touching 86 and 87 early in the contest. Hard breaking ball at 73-77 mph, swing and miss type pitch, flashed plus action for his age, more lateral at the top end of its velocity, showing more depth at the lower end. High follow 2018 prospect in the Midwest.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Nowicki: At first, I thought it was going to be very time consuming and difficult from what people had told me. However, with the help of Greg Reinhard, my summer baseball coach, he helped simplify the process for my family and I by connecting us with college coaches to make the process easier than expected. There were times that were stressful, but overall the recruiting process was fun and easy.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Nowicki: One of the main things I was looking for in a college was top-notch academics. I was also looking for a program that had great coaches and a good baseball resume. I believe Michigan has a baseball program that could build me into a player that is suitable at the next level.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Nowicki: No, distance away from home did not play a factor in my decision.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Nowicki: There was some interest from a couple of coaches after the GRB Top Prospect camp in January. However, things started to heat up for me after the first couple of tournaments this past summer playing with the GRB Rays.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Nowicki: I believe Michigan first saw me throw in relief against the Atlanta Blue Jays at Vanderbilt University. I didn’t actually start talking with Michigan’s coaches until late fall, but when I first stepped onto campus I knew it was a great fit for me.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Nowicki: The thing I like most about Michigan is that it is one of the top Universities in the nation for academics and this ended up being one of the key factors in my final decision. I was also very inspired every time I spoke with coach Bakich, he made me feel like Michigan was the right school for me from an academic and athletic standpoint during each of our conversations.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Nowicki: Indiana, Illinois, Ole Miss, Michigan State & West Virginia were on my short list of schools before making my decision.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Nowicki: The best player that I have played against is Stephen Lund from Verona. I have been playing against Stephen since I was in Little League and he has always been a great player. He hits bombs and has a cannon.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Nowicki: I started to realize that I had the potential to be a college player after the GRB Top Prospect Camp last winter and even more so after the PBR Madison Preseason ID showcase in March.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Nowicki: The advice I would give to younger baseball players is to work hard and fight through adversity. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot succeed, if they do, use that as fuel to work harder.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Nowicki: My most memorable moment in baseball was playing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida at the Elite 32 World Series with the GRB rays.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Nowicki: I will be playing for the Stoughton Vikings and I believe our Varsity team will win conference and hopefully make it back to the regional finals as we did last year. My goals are to contribute as a pitcher, hitter and fielder as we have lost a lot of key players from last year.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Nowicki: I play for the GRB Rays and will be playing with the 17U team. My most memorable experience was making it to the final 32 teams in the WWBA 17U National Championship for the GRB Rays 17U team this past season. We were not projected to finish as high as we did; however, we battled through several close games and lost to a very skilled Elite Squad Prime team.

Q&A with Michigan Commit Dillon Nowicki

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