Phil Nolan, a 6'10" power forward from Milwaukee committed to UConn today, providing a rare flash of good news in what has otherwise been a rather dismal offseason for the Huskies. Nolan only played seven games at Milwaukee's Riverside University High last year, but averaged 16.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 blocks in those games (for a more in-depth breakdown, head over to Kevin Duffy's blog). Both Rivals and Scout have Nolan listed as a three-star prospect. Scout has him as the 30th best power forward in his class, Rivals has him at No. 21.
I have to admit I don't know much about Nolan (other than that he needs to hire a better highlight-film editor), and I doubt many UConn fans do. UConn has apparently only been on his trail for a few weeks (a scholarship wasn't offered until Monday) and he has yet to meet Jim Calhoun or Kevin Ollie in person. But today that doesn't matter, because Nolan comprises the first UConn story in months that looks forward in a positive way. He might be great, he might be average, he might be terrible. I don't know, but I know it doesn't matter to me right now. What matters is that Phil Nolan is here. He's coming to Storrs. He wants to be a Husky. Phil Nolan is, in his own way, the future. I'm happy he's here.