Gophers' Nolen breathing easy in freshman season

Jeff Wheeler, Dml - Star Tribune Star Tribune

Minnesota's Al Nolen headed upcourt after he stole the ball away from South Dakota's Garrett Callahan in the second half.

The former Minneapolis Henry guard had doubts about joining the Gophers, as did others, but his play off the bench has alleviated those concerns.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: January 15, 2008 - 11:36 PM

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Gophers freshman Al Nolen is among the Big Ten leaders in all games in several individual categories (through Monday):

Steals: 2.47 per game, first in Big Ten

Assists: 3.87 per game, eighth (leader: Jamar Butler, Ohio State, 6.19)

Assist-to-turnover ratio: 2.15, fourth (leader: Drew Neitzel, Michigan State, 4.59)

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A year ago as a senior at Minneapolis Henry High School, Al Nolen was hearing people question his ability to play basketball at the Big Ten level as well as his ability to qualify academically. And when he finally did qualify this summer, a new set of questions emerged.

Gophers coach Tubby Smith's first impression was wondering if Nolen had the physical stamina to play in his system.

"And so early on we really had concerns about whether ... his stamina, getting up and down the court, his breathing," Smith said. "That was his biggest adjustment he had to make."

Nolen was found to have exercise-induced asthma. And since the freshman started using an inhaler, he has put an end to the questions and doubts.

The reserve point guard leads the Big Ten in steals with 2.47 per game (37 in 15 games). And he is also contributing 5.5 points and a team-high 3.9 assists per game, while recording a 2.15 assist-to-turnover ratio for the Gophers (12-3, 2-1 Big Ten), who play host to No. 9 Indiana on Thursday and No. 11 Michigan State on Sunday at Williams Arena.

Nolen's defense has been a key for the Gophers. At Michigan State on Jan. 5, he held preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Drew Neitzel to only four points. He helped Smith earn his most memorable victory as Gophers coach so far, Saturday at Penn State, when he picked off Geary Claxton's pass in the closing seconds of a tie game, then hit three free throws.

"He brings some energy, he brings some athleticism and I think he's been very solid and sharp," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "I think he's going to be a great Tubby Smith player down the road because he's not one-dimensional."

Nolen has noticed that he's gained a measure of respect on the court.

"Players are a lot more protective of the ball when I'm guarding them," said Nolen, whose 22.3 minutes per game is fourth on the Gophers. "They kind of turn their back or put their arm up a lot more. Usually, they just used to be kind of lackadaisical around me. But I think they know who I am. I've had players tell me in the game, 'You're not going to steal the ball from me.' So they must have heard something about me."

Nolen admitted his senior season at Henry was trying, to say the least. Larry McKenzie, his head coach for three years, left the school and was replaced by former Henry girls' coach J.D. Deloney. Henry, a perennial state tournament team under McKenzie, had its season end in a Class 3A section semifinal loss to Minneapolis Washburn in which Nolen was ejected for two technical fouls.

Despite his commitment to attend Minnesota, Nolen considered going to a prep school or junior college because he didn't know if he would have the grades to get into the university. And even if he did, some suggested that he didn't have the talent to excel in the Big Ten. He admits the questions and uncertainty caused him stress and were a distraction on the court.

"With all the changes, and especially my academic problems, I wasn't sure if I was going to come here to play basketball, so I started focusing on other things and still focusing on trying to get here at the same time," he said. "Yeah, my head wasn't in basketball for a little bit after hearing all the changes and all the rumors and negative energy from a lot of people."

But in spite of all of the doubters, Nolen remained confident that he would be able to contribute to the Gophers if given the opportunity. Still, he's surprised that Smith has relied on him so much during the first year for both at Minnesota.

"I actually saw myself being able to contribute in a big way because my teammates needed a point guard, a backup point guard at least," he said. "I kind of figured I'd have a big role -- but not this big of a role."