Player Feature: Niels Giffey
Entering his final year at the University of Connecticut, Niels Giffey has seen it all. Literally, he has seen it all. He played a part in a Maui Invitational Championship, a Big East Tournament Championship, a National Championship, being ousted in the first round of the NCAA’s, winning the inaugural Armed Forces Classic, and being ineligible for postseason play. All that in three years! Not to mention he has clocked in minutes at shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and at center. He may very well be the only Husky to ever do so.
Niels is a fan favorite, most known for giving 110% and maximum effort every time he puts on a UConn jersey. He unexpectedly came to Storrs in 2010, where he never really found a definite role during his underclassmen years. Last season, the German really stepped up. He helped the team by hustling and providing minutes at various spots. Although Niels hasn’t found his scoring touch yet, he has been the player to do the “dirty work” on the court. He dives for loose balls, skies for contested rebounds, sets screens, and does everything a glue guy needs to do.
This season Niels is fighting for a starting spot. He is coming off an injury that ended his junior season short, but is as healthy as ever. The main competition (and likely starter), Omar Calhoun, is coming off of hip surgery. Unlike Niels, Omar hasn’t had the whole summer to prepare for the season. In addition, Niels has been playing on the German National Team for the FIBA EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia. Giffey has been putting up very impressive numbers against NBA players and European pros alike. He recently matched up against NBA player Nicholas Batum in a bout against France. Niels found himself guarding Batum throughout the game, where the Portland Trail Blazer went 4/11 shooting and scored 9 points. Niels was the game’s top performer, pouring in 14 points and was a perfect 6/6 from the floor. He also chipped in 5 rebounds and 1 assist.
If Niels can contribute like he is during EuroBasket, he will have his best season ever in Storrs. Look for him to compete for a starting role and always hustling on the court. Whether he starts or not, Niels Giffey will be a valuable asset to this team and will help them contend for a National Championship.
-CTBasketball
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