Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Werkman played for the basketball team that won 100 consecutive games for Immaculate Conception Grammar School. Werkman earned varsity letters in both baseball and basketball all four years he attended Trenton Catholic High School, where he graduated in 1960. The basketball team won the Parochial A state championship all four years in high school.[2]
In just three seasons of collegiate basketball (the NCAA did not allow freshman to play varsity ball at the time) Werkman compiled 2,273 points and 1,036 rebounds. Among the nation's top scorers in each of his three seasons, Werkman averaged 32 points per game in 1962 (third nationally), 29.5 in 1963 (top scorer), and 33.2 in 1964 (second nationally).[3] His career 32.0 points per game average is ninth all-time in NCAADivision I history.[4] He was inducted into Seton Hall's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1972.[5]
After Werkman's senior campaign ended, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 5th round as the 43rd overall selection in the 1964 NBA draft.[6] Werkman never played in the NBA.[citation needed]
^ abc"Former All-American Cager, Werkman, Is Now Coaching", Asbury Park Press, July 22, 1973. Accessed November 9, 2017. "Nick Werkman, Seton Hall University's last All-America basketball player, is now the varsity baseball and basketball coach at Stockton State College. He was born in Trenton, where he started playing CYO basketball when he was 10 years old. He played for the Immaculate Conception Grammar School team that reeled off 100 successive victories before losing to St. Catherine's of Spring Lake. Before graduating from Trenton Catholic High School in 1960, he earned eight varsity letters, four each in baseball and basketball."
