Bennett and staff did a remarkable job attracting the sharp-shooting Nolte and pulling him from the clutches of area schools. But Nolte saw something unique at Virginia and wanted to be part of something special.

“I think it was a combination of [academics and athletics],” Nolte said when he committed. “The system they run at Virginia, I feel I can really come in there and try to earn playing time. I feel I can make an impact. I feel like I fit in the system really well. I fit in with the players there. I always dreamed about playing in the ACC, so that’s another important thing. I felt at home there.”

As a freshman last season, Nolte played in 35 games and started eight. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, but could factor more heavily in Virginia’s offensive plans this season. Nolte’s strongest asset is his ability to hit 3-point shots. He has a quick release and has grown to 6’8″, which makes him difficult to defend when he’s ready to catch and shoot. Nolte’s best game last season was against Virginia Tech when he rained five 3-point shots. But Nolte isn’t just a solid shooter. He’s working hard on his defensive footwork. In the same game against the Hokies, he accounted for 4 steals as the Hoos thrashed Virginia Tech 74-58 in Blacksburg.

In the offseason, Nolte worked hard on his perimeter defense, ball-handling skills, and just becoming an all-around better player. Last season, Nolte’s consistency with his shots declined late in the season so he’s worked hard in the weight room and focused on better fundamentals to help him sustain top performance throughout the long and difficult schedule, particularly in the more physical ACC.

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