HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky head men's basketball coach Darrin Horn has added a talented guard to the roster ahead of 2025-26, as the Norse officially announced the signing of Shawn Nelson to the program on Tuesday. 

A native of Miami, Florida, Shawn Nelson comes to Highland Heights following a breakout junior year at Barton College in North Carolina. 

"Shawn brings great maturity as a 5th year player and tremendous perimeter versatility because of his skill, size and length," said Darrin Horn. "He has been an extremely  productive and efficient offensive player that also excels on the defensive end specifically in stealing the ball. We expect him to make an immediate impact on both ends for us." 

Nelson was named Second Team All-Conference Carolinas following a 2024-25 season where he averaged 18.9 PTS, 5.3 REB, 4.5 AST, and over a steal per game at Barton. Nelson sported a near 2:1 assist to turnover ratio while leading the team in assists. 

Nelson was highly efficient from the field, knocking down 182 shots at a 50.1% clip while hitting 25 3PT baskets at a 41% rate. He got to the free throw line at an insane level, knocking down 179 free throws in 30 games (5.9 per game). 

Nelson ranked sixth in all of Division II in free throw attempts at 244, and 13th in free throws made. 

Over his three seasons at Barton, Nelson scored 852 points, grabbed 316 rebounds, and dished out 193 assists for the Bulldogs. 

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