Jonathan Hicklin knows that all good things must eventually end.  That includes the graduate student's career in a Winston-Salem State basketball uniform.
 
He said there will be no tears on Senior Night but a lot of happy memories.  "It will definitely be emotional," Hicklin said.  "My heart will be warm.  I'm going to miss the atmosphere at Gaines, the fans, the Red Sea of Sound."
 
"No regrets," continued the Mass Communications major.  "Everything worked out. My next step is wherever God takes me.  Hopefully I'll play pro and get to continue the game I love."
 
Hicklin said he could also see himself coaching.  "I would start at the middle school level," he emphasized.  "I would be a good player's coach.  Everybody would like me.  I would be an understanding coach."
 
He could definitely share countless stories on his career at WSSU.
"My favorite memory was the buzzer beater against Fayetteville State with the division title at stake," recalled Hicklin.  "Seeing the fans lined up to get into Gaines is just crazy.  I've never seen anything like it."
 
Hicklin can also share the story of beating Fayetteville State in a thriller for the CIAA Championship.  And he hopes to add another championship ring later this month.
 
The Rams could possibly face Virginia Union in the tournament, the team that eliminated WSSU last year.  Union is also the team that ended WSSU's 20-game home winning streak in December.
 
"We remember losing up there (in the tournament)," Hicklin said.  "We know what's at stake."
 
Hicklin said he's not surprised the Rams are in first place in the CIAA's Southern Division.  "I expected us to do really good with our dominant bigs (Jaylon Gibson and Nate Springs) and with Jaylen (Alston) coming back.  He plays aggressive all the time.  And our two freshmen (K.C. Shaw and Jeremy Dixon) are good.  I expect us to do well and finish the season strong."
 
The road won't be easy, according to Hicklin.  "For this team we have to stick together and stay positive," he said.  "We know the games are going to be rollercoasters.  We've got to make free throws and get stops.  We know none of the games are gonna be blowouts."
 
Hicklin said working out during the summer has given him more confidence.  "I put in the work," he said.  "I'm more confident this year."
 
He's alternated starting this season, something that doesn't bother him.  "The only thing you miss by not starting is the handshake," said Hicklin.  "When I get in, I've got to turn the energy on.
 
"It's doesn't matter if I score a hundred points or don't score any as long as we win.  I know I'll be in to finish the game."
 
He once again emphasized leaving with no regrets.  "Passing, scoring, defending or something else, I know I've left my mark on this program," said Hicklin.  "I've loved the engagement, talking with our fans, the good relationships with each of my teammates.
 
"Hitting a three-pointer," he continued.  "There's nothing like seeing that long shot go in.  To some day being in the (C.E. Gaines) Hall of Fame.  To be in the presence of a legendary history. 
 
"I've got to embrace the moment of what I've got left.  I'm so glad I came here."