Sophomore Nolan Black has announced his commitment to Whittier College (CA). Black took college visits throughout the spring, and visited Whittier in June. He was impressed by the campus and felt connected with the coaching staff and returning players. Black said, "I believe Whittier is the best option for me because the potential for success is there on and off the court. Whittier has so many connections for me to pursue my career path after I graduate. I felt like this would be a great situation for me now and in the future."
Over the last two seasons at SPSCC, Black established himself as a leader on the two most successful teams in program history. As a freshman in 2016-17 he was a starter on a 23-6 team that won the first West Region championship in school history and reached the NWAC Elite 8. That same season, Black led the NWAC West Region in field goal percentage making 69% of his shot attempts. In his sophomore year he served as co-captain of a team that went 23-8, repeated as NWAC West Region champions and returned to the Elite 8. Head Coach Aaron Landon praised Black and his impact on the program, "Nolan is the most selfless leader we've had in our program. He never had a personal agenda, he never worried about anything except being a great teammate and winning basketball games. I know how fortunate we are to have had Nolan the past two years; players like him don't come along often."
Black, originally from Olympia High School, joined the program in 2016 after spending two years at University of Washington in Tacoma. Black said he'll cherish the memories he's made over the past two years. "I'll always remember my time at SPSCC. All of the friendships from basketball, and just being part of the school is something I'll hold on to forever."