Nolan

[Huskydog45]

Think this kid has alot of potential in our program. He appears to have gotten stronger as the year has gone on, seems more confident, can rebound and block shots, and can defend pretty well in the post. Does not leave his feet on defense, defends with his arms up and uses his body well. Seems like a real likeable kid as well and is a hard worker. Not sure what he has offensively but he can work on it. Wasn't sure about him early on but think he will be solid for us.

 

[ctchamps]

Think this kid has alot of potential in our program. He appears to have gotten stronger as the year has gone on, seems more confident, can rebound and block shots, and can defend pretty well in the post. Does not leave his feet on defense, defends with his arms up and uses his body well. Seems like a real likeable kid as well and is a hard worker. Not sure what he has offensively but he can work on it. Wasn't sure about him early on but think he will be solid for us.

I agree. IMO he's improved more than anyone on the team from the start of the season and that includes DD. He always showed athleticism but zero bb IQ. I can't believe the progress he's made. Depending on Wolfe's status and how quick Brimah and Facey can contribute, next season could be 180 degrees from this season regarding rebounding.

 

[ChrisSmith]

I was disappointed he missed that dunk. If nothing else, big men should be able to finish those. With that aside, there's a lot to like about him. He moves up and down the court very well and has good length. I don't think he will ever be a star, but he could be a 4 year player, a solid contributor, and the type of kid I personally enjoy watching develop (as opposed to 1 and done).

 

[boog204]

Nolan showed something over the last 2-3 games. Pretty good defender, active, pretty athletic, etc. This may come off as an insult, but I actually mean it as a comp, but he really reminds me of Antric Klaiber. The word on Nolan coming in was that he was a stretch 4 type as Antric was supposed to be (people forget Antric was a top 50ish recruit). They both come here and become skinny backup centers. Antric had some quality moments where you saw some legit talent and then had some moments where i legit thought JC was going to attack him. Hopefully Nolan can continue to develop and be a major 4 year contributor.

 

[huskyharry]

He has proven that he will be a solid contributor, as I feel Leon Tolksdorf did, as well. They both seem to know what they are doing on defense now, they play hard, scrambling and fighting for the ball and they also contribute on offense: Phil has a good knack for finishing inside around the defense and Leon has a deadly perimeter shot.
Next year we could have 6 players (TO, EW, PN, LT, DD, NG) with proven experience and two freshman with outstanding potential at the 4 and 5 slots.

 

[mauconnfan]

They have pieces to be very good but they will need leader as we saw........one of the most interesting off seasons in a very long time. Last year was interesting in a negative way with loyalty lost, this year we will hope but also be happy for those decisions.......but I want everyone back selfishly!! ....could be something special brewing in Storrs

 

[selles]

He has proven that he will be a solid contributor, as I feel Leon Tolksdorf did, as well. They both seem to know what they are doing on defense now, they play hard, scrambling and fighting for the ball and they also contribute on offense: Phil has a good knack for finishing inside around the defense and Leon has a deadly perimeter shot.
Next year we could have 6 players (TO, EW, PN, LT, DD, NG) with proven experience and two freshman with outstanding potential at the 4 and 5 slots.

Tolksdorf has some real potential as a secret weapon kind of guy who plays 8-10 minutes and changes games with 2 or 3 three pointers. Love that shooting form.

 

[Husky]

That dunk that Nolan had in the USF game was VIOLENT

 

[Dove]

That dunk that Nolan had in the USF game was VIOLENT

His "dunk" today was PASSIVE

Will the real Nolan dunk reveal thyself!!

 

[OkaForPrez]

PC took the lead early in the 2nd half by pounding the ball in the paint. We took back control of the game by several consecutive defensive stops with Nolan hanging tough in the low post. He bottled up Batts and Providence started chucking again. Dr. Phil was integral in our W today.

 

[selles]

Nolan showed something over the last 2-3 games. Pretty good defender, active, pretty athletic, etc. This may come off as an insult, but I actually mean it as a comp, but he really reminds me of Antric Klaiber. The word on Nolan coming in was that he was a stretch 4 type as Antric was supposed to be (people forget Antric was a top 50ish recruit). They both come here and become skinny backup centers. Antric had some quality moments where you saw some legit talent and then had some moments where i legit thought JC was going to attack him. Hopefully Nolan can continue to develop and be a major 4 year contributor.

I like that comparison. Big difference though is Antric never embraced the role (and thus set the all time record for time spent in JC's doghouse), while Phil most definitely has.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

It is pretty amazing that they did not kill us inside with Batts and Henton. I remember Henton just killed us a year or two ago. The help defense was very good for the most part, maybe that was the big thing. That is, in addition to Nolan and DD battling. I saw each of them get pushed at times, but not nearly the way one might expect or fear would happen.

It was a little scary with the ease that they scored on the double screen with Batts dunking to start the half.

 

[UChusky916]

Nolans d was very underrated today. Hoping he keeps developing and I could honestly see him as our starting center

 

[Palatine]

Nolan is going to have to work his butt off for playing time. If the player we saw this year is the best we have heading into next year, we're in trouble.

He played because he had to not because he earned it. He was very uneven. Let's hope he takes some giant steps.

Sorry to interject some reality into this thread. Rooting for the kid but looked at him with my eyes not my heart.

 

[aboogieee]

Defensively, I thought he was solid against Providence for the most part.. was called for a few nickel-dimers which didn't appear to be fouls. Used his length well.. & altered shots. Solid foundation to build on going into the off-season..

 

[James]

What are you saying you played like the whole game against a very talented front court. And we won. Anyway, deandre is a wonder at help d. Could be an elite defender with that length .

 

[ctchamps]

PC took the lead early in the 2nd half by pounding the ball in the paint. We took back control of the game by several consecutive defensive stops with Nolan hanging tough in the low post. He bottled up Batts and Providence started chucking again. Dr. Phil was integral in our W today.

Batts really had his way with Nolan during the first part of the second half. And then PN made adjustments pretty much shutting Batts down. I couldn't believe the in game adjustment he made.

 

[mcs333]

Nolan seems like a great kid and a wonderful teammate. But let's be honest he has zero offensive capability, Hopefully his game improves in the off season. Right now he is not a BE caliber talent. To win next year we need to have some inside scoring. I hope that Facey will be a big surprise for us . Ie J. Lamb was as a freshmen. Hopefully Wolf comes back and continues to get better. I just don't think we can rely on Nolan next year to be our answer at center.

 

[mauconnfan]

Nolan seems like a great kid and a wonderful teammate. But let's be honest he has zero offensive capability, Hopefully his game improves in the off season. Right now he is not a BE caliber talent. To win next year we need to have some inside scoring. I hope that Facey will be a big surprise for us . Ie J. Lamb was as a freshmen. Hopefully Wolf comes back and continues to get better. I just don't think we can rely on Nolan next year to be our answer at center.

"..not a BE caliber talent.."?? Really, what the hell were you watching the last few games? He has made strides, ready to throw him in there with other UConn C's of the past but let's not forget the kid who couldn't get minutes vs the kid the last 4-5 games.......he was tougher, stronger and moved his feet better......plenty capable of filling in minutes in the Big East and there's more there.......if you've seen him stroke it I'm guessing the offense will come, just not what they asked from him this year. He's most definitely a BE athlete, it's up to him to be a special one!

 

[OkaForPrez]

Nolan seems like a great kid and a wonderful teammate. But let's be honest he has zero offensive capability, Hopefully his game improves in the off season. Right now he is not a BE caliber talent. To win next year we need to have some inside scoring. I hope that Facey will be a big surprise for us . Ie J. Lamb was as a freshmen. Hopefully Wolf comes back and continues to get better. I just don't think we can rely on Nolan next year to be our answer at center.

"..not a BE caliber talent.."?? Really, what the hell were you watching the last few games? He has made strides, ready to throw him in there with other UConn C's of the past but let's not forget the kid who couldn't get minutes vs the kid the last 4-5 games.......he was tougher, stronger and moved his feet better......plenty capable of filling in minutes in the Big East and there's more there.......if you've seen him stroke it I'm guessing the offense will come, just not what they asked from him this year. He's most definitely a BE athlete, it's up to him to be a special one!

You mean philling in minutes right?

Ready made offensive big men are rare. Mek had no post moves until his late sophomore year if not his junior year. Thabeet was throwing dream hooks off the side of the backboard. I like Phil's game and his work ethic. His technique of bodying up without fouling shows he's coachable. I think he will surprise us with how far he can go.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

Phil is fast and quick for his size. He has done a good job competing during this last stretch where he has gotten more minutes. He is a stick and can get moved out, but he has done a lot better holding his position than I would have expected. He seemed to have trouble getting around people to get to the basket to rebound. I have not seen any kind of interior offensive scoring moves outside of putbacks, but he does have a nice stroke from the foul line. One of the best things is that she showed periods of time where he played with poise, not overly rushing. He does not seem to be a natural shot-blocker, but has sent some back pretty well. I thought he did a good job against Batts.

 

[bfair]

I love the way he rebounds and outlets.. He grabs, senses pressure, and pivots loking for an outlet... Great potential... Saunders +plus.

 

[selles]

Nolan is going to have to work his butt off for playing time. If the player we saw this year is the best we have heading into next year, we're in trouble.

He played because he had to not because he earned it. He was very uneven. Let's hope he takes some giant steps.

Sorry to interject some reality into this thread. Rooting for the kid but looked at him with my eyes not my heart.

He earned it once he played. And he was a freshman and shockingly we may anticipate him getting better. But thanks for the reality check. What would we do without you.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I actually really like what I've seen out of Phil. It's true he doesn't have any offensive game right now, but what freshman big men do?

Phil has been really active on D and grabs boards. Specifically, I think he does a great job of using his chest and keeping his arms straight up to avoid picking up fouls ( I think they called him on a few cheap ones today though ).

 

[RichCTBB]

I love his attitude. He has clearly grown and made the most of this unique opportunity. There's no reason to believe he won't continue to put in the work and respond to the coaches. I noticed that after his missed dunk, he didn't waist any time getting back on D once he realized he missed. No sulking. He's ten toes in.