PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

“During the offseason, my main objective was to get stronger, so I spent a lot of time in the weight room. I also put a huge emphasis on my footwork and doing my best to get that quicker. On the court, ball handling and stretching the floor were a big emphasis for me, so spending countless hours in the gym working on my three-point shot and getting my handle tight was something I was constantly focused on.“

PHD: What’s one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you’ve made the most progress?

“One specific part of my game I was really focused on improving this off-season was my ball handling, as I said before. Playing high school basketball at that double-A level, you have to be very well-rounded, and I felt that ball handling was one of my weaknesses and strengthening that skill was definitely one of my priorities throughout this off-season.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“Right now I am not in any other sport and am completely focused on basketball. In the past I was enrolled in a fall sport but I felt that dedicating all of my time to basketball was in my best interest.“

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

“My individual goals for this upcoming season are to earn a starting spot on my varsity roster. Along with that, the class of 29 is a very talented class when it comes to basketball and I want to solidify myself as one of the top prospects in the state. For my team goals I have high expectations for us this year making a deep run in state is something that is definitely in reach this year and we all know that. We hold each other to a high standard so I have no doubt that we will be successful.“

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

“I have had a lot of coaches throughout my basketball career and 2 coaches that have really had a meaningful impact on my career would have to be my AAU coach Andrew Ulvestead and then Coach Andy Kleinjan at Harrisburg. Both of these coaches have made a positive impact on my career but in 2 different ways. Coach Ulvestead first became my coach during the 14u season and immediately encouraged me and always put me in positions to succeed and really helped me with my confidence. I started playing for coach Kleinjan for the first time my freshman season and he would always tell me what I needed to hear vs what I wanted to hear and he really believes in me.“

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

“A teammate of mine that people need to know about is Colby Coyne Colby Coyne 6'0" | SG Harrisburg | 2029 SD , he is someone who I absolutely love training with as me and him constantly push each other to our limits. This dude is as hardworking as they get and is in my opinion the best shooter in the state for ‘29.“

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

“My favorite pro player is definitely Anthony Edward’s, his passion for the game really inspires me and he is super fun to watch.“

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

“I feel like my game has grown a lot throughout the last year, I have gotten a lot more athletic and have grown into my body more. My jump shot has come a long way along and my ability to play in the post whether it is facing up or keeping my back at the basket.“

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a “go-to” move you like to use?

“A go-to move for me, I would have to say a one dribble pull up out of the perimeter or a baby hook in the post is something that I will try and get to when I can.“

-We like the looks of his game, hoping to see him dominate & assert his will

-Future looks to be very bright in bball, long/skilled/talented, high% shooter

-Is he the best post/forward at the event, a top player in the gym?

“John has one of the more unique stories on our team. He joined our top team in 2025 after Preston was sidelined with an injury, and from day one he fit seamlessly into our group. This summer, his offensive game really took off. He shot nearly 40% from three-point range, finished around the basket with excellent touch, and consistently made the right play when defenses sent help. His ability to read double teams and create for teammates is something that often goes unnoticed. John also earned his first college basketball offer this summer, the first player on our team to do so, which was exciting for all of us. More than anything, I’m proud of the person he is. His work ethic, humility, and authenticity have made him an incredible teammate.“

-Take a look at this kids length!

-Southpaw with long arms

-Dunks, alley-oop finishes, boards up & blocks shots

-Tough matchup with his length & his shooting range extends to the 3pt arc

-Good hands & feet, seals, keeps the ball high & away from the D, smart

-Buttery touch around the rim, advanced moves for a ’29

-Left-hander, but he can finish with his R-hand, versatile/skilled for a youngster

Noteworthy timing for rebounds & rim protecting, knows how to use his length

John shined with a smooth all-round game. Has game changing length on both ends of the floor at 6’6. Has good handles for the SF/PF position. Stepped out on a regular basis nocking down alot of three’s, also showed he can hit contested three’s with range. Nolan was able to guard smaller and quicker players using his length to his advantage. He had nice touch and footwork around the rim on post ups, also showed good toughness taking on older players at the same position.

At the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase, Nolan delivered one of the most versatile performances of the day. With his impressive length and relentless motor, he found ways to leave a mark in nearly every phase of the game, making him one of PHD’s favorites from the event.

Nolan’s impact started with his activity on the glass. He was constantly around the ball, piling up offensive rebounds — often snagging multiple in the same possession — and creating second-chance opportunities for his team. His physicality and willingness to battle in traffic showed that he doesn’t shy away from contact, instead using his frame and determination to carve out space.

Offensively, Nolan showed an intriguing mix of skills. He opened things up by burying a catch-and-shoot three, then went to work inside with a soft baby hook and a pair of crafty finishes at the rim, including a twisting give-and-go conversion and a contorted drive where he absorbed contact and still found the bucket. He attacked the hoop with purpose, finishing strong off two feet and earning frequent trips to the line.

On the defensive side, his length and quick reactions made a clear difference. Nolan challenged shots at the rim, disrupted passing lanes for steals, and even turned defense into offense by pushing the ball coast-to-coast for a transition score. His anticipation in full-court pressure added another dimension to his game, showing he could swing momentum with a single play.

What stood out most was how Nolan consistently found ways to be involved. Whether it was securing extra possessions, finishing through contact, stretching the floor, or creating turnovers, he proved he can influence a game in a variety of ways. With his blend of size, aggressiveness, and versatility, Nolan is a prospect to keep a close eye on moving forward.

Great Handles

One of the top shooters of the day from 3

Shot Blocker Skill

Long and Athletic body with a left handed shot

Nolan’s length at 6’4” is his greatest trait right now. He’s a little raw and uneven in his movement, but he can still do some good things. Soft shooting touch around the hoop. Flies around defensively and stays alert on that end. He runs rim-to-rim very hard and quickly. Though he’s thinner and lanky, he works hard for the ball in the air and does just fine with some contact. If he can get up to 6’9”-6’10” then we are getting excited about Nolan.