Phil Nolan Appreciation thread

[Dogbreath2U]

In the lingering glow of NC #4, it seems that Phil Nolan deserves some more recognition for his amazing improvement and key contributions.

First, as exciting as the prospects of Amida's growing as a player are and his team saving 3 point play, Nolan was a huge contributor overall with his remarkably improved play on defense.

I would say he was close to player of the game against MSU with his defense inside and out against Payne.

He made a big block against UF as time was winding down.

Other contributions?

(BTW, he is the incumbent starting center and I would bet he continues in that role for at least the beginning of next season).

 

[Kitaman]

Hmmm, well he did improve this year at photobombing.

 

[Scot-e]

I was thinking the same thing after watching him start in every game in the NCAA on video this week.

He did a great job doing what was needed to bring that NC to UCONN. Great effort and much appreciated. He got the $ hit beat out of him every game by bigger stronger 5s and got the best of many of them on the defensive end.

 

[donyell34]

True, very little shows up in the box score but he did some good work. Easy to overlook. R afferty saying pass the ball as Neil's was wide open. Verne L. Speaking over him saying Nolan wants it all. Cool moment.

 

[bmayuc]

Nolan is great at positional and help defense. He doesn't yet have the bulk or athleticism to truly anchor or shut down 1-1 moves, but he's solid, dependable on defense, hits his free throws, and has shown offensive growth Y/Y.

He would ideally be our first big off the bench to bring energy/defense, but as a starter he was serviceable and made important contributions to a championship team.

Excited to see another year in the weight room and another year of skill development brings...

 

[Palatine]

As Bazz said about "Nolan, (paraphrased) He could have had 12 points (against Kentucky) if they didn't all get blocked."

 

[Horatio]

He did put on some weight and muscle for his 2nd season. Hopefully this continues and rubs off on Facey and Brimah.

 

[UChusky916]

He might see some time at the 4 next year as well if Facey/Lubin struggle. His jump shot isn't bad, so he could stretch out opposing 4s. He shot ~78% from the FT line this past year so his stroke is good.

If he could make the bunnies that he missed this year, get a bit stronger, and improve his game a bit this offseason, I could see him averaging 6-8ppg next year

 

[tcf15]

 

[Dogbreath2U]

The difference in his ability to battle and stop bigger guys from backing him down toward the basket from the beginning of the year to the end was dramatic. Early on, he was getting knocked flying or moved out of position easily. By the end, much tougher and played bigger than he was. A little too enamored with trying to draw the charge, but really good progress.

 

[aceboon]

The difference in his ability to battle and stop bigger guys from backing him down toward the basket from the beginning of the year to the end was dramatic. Early on, he was getting knocked flying or moved out of position easily. By the end, much tougher and played bigger than he was. A little too enamored with trying to draw the charge, but really good progress.

He set the tone right from the start against Mich St when he wouldn't let Payne back him down and forced a travel.

 

[Nnocu]

I appreciate Phil every time I post with my avatar

 

[muhmitchell]

Not to mention he finally drew a charge on Poythress, but all joking aside I really love Nolan and everything he brings to the team. On the court, he's a tough defender and shows he won't back down to anyone down low. Off the court he's hilarious and probably the most photogenic human being I've ever seen

 

[UconnU]

He's really great at setting picks. Also, At some point mid-late season he said to himself im not going to get pushed around by these bulkier 4 & 5s anymore and really got my physical, Stuck his chest out and started standing his ground. helped us a lot.

 

[mauconnfan]

Loved when he had someone ahead of the court in the Michigan State game for a lay up but elected to take it himself and throw it down…..he did scare the crap out of me but he deserved that!!

 

[joober jones]

He's a great out-of-the-box score guys, probably only being bested in that category by Giffey and Kromah this past season. He needs to be more aggressive on offense. He could have thrown the ball down all 3 of the times where he was stuffed in the final game if he'd just gone up with more confidence and conviction. He also needs to become more aware of what's going on behind him. Not doing that has foiled him on a few occasions. On the whole however, he was a big part of NC #4 even if it was in intangible fashion. Can't wait to see what he has for us next year.

 

[SellersElbow]

His solid tournament play and improved defense reminded me of Okwandu in '11, with the bonus that PN is only sophomore.

Thanks to Phil..,and looking forward to watching his game and photobombing continue to progress.

 

[7774]

He could have thrown the ball down all 3 of the times where he was stuffed in the final game if he'd just gone up with more confidence and conviction.

I think you're really shortchanging Kentucky's big men.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Loved when he had someone ahead of the court in the Michigan State game for a lay up but elected to take it himself and throw it down…..he did scare the crap out of me but he deserved that!!

Any time a big gets the ball in the open court with a clean look at the rim I prefer them taking it by themselves. Too often they FUBAR it away trying to pass.

Remember one or two years ago when DD did that and Bazz looked at him like DD was an alien.

I don't care about sharing at that point. Big with ball in open court equals two dribbles and a dunk. Move on.

 

[huskyharry]

As Bazz said about "Nolan, (paraphrased) He could have had 12 points (against Kentucky) if they didn't all get blocked."

Actually, if you look closely on the replay, the Kentucky players got forearm, wrist and a little hand...not much of the ball on those blocks.

I agree that he has the basic skills to be much more effective on offense. He has a nice touch from the FT line, so with practice and ensuring that he has proper balance, he should be effective at the mid-range shot when open. Down the stretch of the season, he missed a few shots from 10-12 feet just a few feet in from the baseline...he should practice bank shots on these (ala Blake Griffin). He may never be a great finisher at the rim but will certainly improve over this year.