University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers Supporting Gophers: Al Nolen Foundation
8/29/2023 8:26:00 AM | Men's Basketball
.@GopherMBB joined @alnolenfdn earlier this summer for the alum's Academy of Excellence programming. Thank you for having us! #Gophers pic.twitter.com/fKQXiPzz4P
— The Gopher Way (@thegopherway) August 27, 2023
The Academy of Excellence is a new summer program created with a focus on Basketball Fundamentals, (SEL) Social Emotional Learning, Financial Literacy, Social Justice, and Wellness & Nutrition. On the court skills and drills will be paired with informative classroom sessions. These sessions will be facilitated by professionals from each field. Scholars will also be provided breakfast and lunch every day, with the hot food truck visiting once a week. The overall mission of the Al Nolen Foundation is to create an affirming and supportive environment that nurtures higher-risk youth on their journey to overcome emotional trauma, social isolation, and economic hardships.
Special thank you!! Coach Ben Johnson and @GopherMBB for stopping by to visit our scholars.They shared their personal journey's to get to division one including the type of dedication and sacrifices you have to make. Our scholars were left motivated and inspired!!!#C2F #Gophers pic.twitter.com/UmcZtEkNDT
— alnolenfdn (@alnolenfdn) August 3, 2023
Named after the founder, Al Nolen was a member of the Gopher men's basketball team from 2008-11, where he played in 98 career games, including 67 starts and amassed 595 points, 205 steals and 394 assists. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing. After graduation, Nolen was drafted by and played in the NBA G-League, completing his professional basketball career in Germany and the Czech Republic.