Phillip Nolan: "UConn Just the Place for Me"

Just got off the phone with new UConn recruit Phillip Nolan, who seems like a real nice, polite young man. Here's what he had to say.

"In my opinion, UConn is one of the best programs in the Big East. I know a couple of guys are transferring, and that opens up minutes at UConn. I know if I work hard enough, I'll be able to attain some minutes as a freshman."

Nolan said the questions surrounding how long Jim Calhoun will stay as head coach, as well as next year's almost certain postseason ban, didn't bother him.

"Not at all. I'm just excited to be a part of the UConn family. None of that stuff really bothers me. Coach Calhoun is not the only coach at UConn I have a relationship with. I'd like for him to stay as head coach, if that's what he wants to do, but it wouldn't change my decision."



Nolan said he's been in contact with Calhoun and assistant Kevin Ollie. He said that "nothing's been promised to me. They let me know that minutes will be available, it depends how hard I work, how bad I want it."

As for the postseason ban: "t really dosn't bother me. UConn is just the place for me."

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Nolan said he visited St. John's last weekend and Oregon and Clemson last fall. He'll make his first visit to UConn on Sunday.

Nolan played at two different public high schools and two different prep schools. He played this past season at Riverside University High in Milwaukee, his hometown. Nolan explains his nomadic high school life:

"My freshman and sophomore year I went to the same public school in Milwaukee. After my sophomore year, I went to prep school and thought it was going to be great. I was a little immature, and it didn't really work out for me. I came back home and ended up going to another prep school .. and that just didn't work out for me, either. Instead of going back to my original high school, I wanted to be at a high school near my home. Riverside is one of the best public schools in the city, and after prep school, I realized how imprtant grades were and (wanted to be in a good academic situation)."

Nolan says his strengths are rebounding, blocking shots, running the court. He admits he needs to get stronger, but has already bulked up from 187 at the end of the season to 209 pounds through working out four-five times a week with a personal trainer, downing protein shakes etc.