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even in the geometry class Jordan taught. Jordan would often see his star player spending nights and weekends at the Whitney Center working on his shot.
• "He was a person that just loved to be in the gym and he always had a basketball in his hands," said Jordan, who now coaches at Minnesota's Stillwater High School.
• Wolters' role on the court was different in high school, as the Tigers used a two point-guard offense.
• "I thought he was more effective of getting the ball up the floor on the wing and attacking the basket for us," Jordan said. "That's what we used him for. We wanted to get the ball in his hands."
• Wolters was about 6-foot-1 as a high school sophomore, and he became even more effective under the boards as he added a few inches, Jordan added.
• Wolters said his height has helped him lead South Dakota State's offense.
• "Most point guards aren't as tall as 6-4, and I can definitely see over the defense a little better than smaller guards can," he said. "When you get into those pick-and-roll situations, it's a lot easier to throw across my body or make jump passes and see over the defense."
• North Dakota State coach Saul Phillips, whose team lost to the Jackrabbits 73-67 in the Summit League tournament final, said Wolters' height and ability to find the open man make him tough to defend.
• "With Nate, he is so good at creating passing angles with his long arms," Phillips said. "He makes passes that other guards just don't make."
• Wolters said the Jackrabbits are a more talented and experienced team than last year, and knowing what to expect this year will help as they try to pull off an upset.
• He said he'd like to continue playing basketball after college and he knows he's caught the eye of some NBA scouts, but his concentration this week is on the NCAA tournament.
• "Right now, I'm just trying to focus on winning," Wolters said. "I've only got a couple more weeks of my college career left, so I'm just trying to make the most of it. It's been a great experience, and we're hoping that we can play a little bit longer."
• Jordan said Wolters has the work ethic to do whatever it takes to play at the next level.
• "He thrives on the challenge," Jordan said. "Whether or not he ends up being in a major role for a team, he's definitely going to be a part of a team in the NBA. I really feel that. If the NBA doesn't work out, he'll find somewhere else to play. I guarantee he's going to play basketball for a few more years.
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