Nicholls State University’s most dynamic basketball performer, senior Anatoly Bose, had his final curtain call in a Nicholls Men’s jersey with the loss to McNeese State, but he leaves behind a very impressive résumé with the Colonels.

As a freshman from a foreign land, Anatoly Bose had a difficult time adjusting to life on the bayou.

Although he may have had a challenging time accommodating his everyday routine to life in Thibodaux, Louisiana, basketball remained his focus, although it was rough at times.

“I thought it was pretty tough, the game was really different between American basketball and Australian basketball, and it took me a while to make the transition,” Bose said.

As a freshman, Bose worked his way into the starting line-up leading the Colonels in scoring on seven different occasions.

Continuing to work harder at his game, Bose’s season performance as a sophomore left fans wondering what else Bose could achieve in a Nicholls uniform. The “sophomore slump” did not occur, as Bose only progressed more towards becoming a great all-around player.

“I was motivated from my freshman year because I wasn’t automatically a starter. I felt like I had to work harder,” Bose said.

Bose led the Colonels in rebounding, and finished second in scoring. He also managed to finish third in three-point field goal percentage in the Southland Conference, as he was named to the All-Southland Conference Third Team.

Few athletes possess the drive and commitment it takes to excel and improve their skills from a year-to-year basis. Without a doubt, Bose belongs in this elite category of athletes.

“After my sophomore year, Ryan Bathe and Justin Pain left the team so I had to work on my leadership skills, and I also got stronger by lifting weights during the summer,” Bose said.

As a junior, Bose launched himself into the media spotlight, bringing attention to the Nicholls State Men’s Basketball program. Scoring at will, he nearly broke Nicholls State University’s single game scoring record, falling three points shy of one-upping Larry Wilson’s record of 48 points.

“I got to the free-throw line a lot, that was a very important thing that helped me,” Bose said.

Bose led the team in scoring and rebounding, led the Colonels to the Southland Conference Tournament, and earned a spot on the All-Southland Conference First Team.

With the lure of the National Basketball Association surrounding Bose, he chose to return for his senior season at Nicholls.

“I was always going to come back to Nicholls. I wanted to throw my name out there to generate some attention for myself,” Bose said.

It was during his senior season, Bose was able to permanently stain his name in Nicholls State University’s basketball history books. He led the Colonels to a victory over LSU with a 28 point performance. He also led the Colonels to a spot in the Southland Conference Tournament and earned All-Southland Conference First Team honors, both for the second straight year.

As further proof of his dynamic scoring ability, he surpassed the 2000 career point mark in an exciting OT victory over Northwestern State.

“It’s a dream come true. Not a lot of people get to do that so I’m thankful I’ve gotten the opportunity to do that,” Bose said.

Although he may not be extremely vocal or as physically imposing, his on-court game and off-court work ethic has provided Nicholls Basketball fans a glimpse at a special talent few ever get to witness.

With his extreme work ethic and great skill level growing on a yearly basis, it may be safe to say some of his best performances are still yet to come.

When asked about his future career playing basketball on the next level Bose said, “It’s a new chapter in my life, and I feel like I can improve on anything and everything.”