The Al Nolen Foundation

02/08/2024

Basketball across Minnesota: Former Gophers player and new radio analyst Al Nolen followed in the footsteps of his mentor and fellow alumnus to make a difference to inner-city youth.

02/05/2024

Our Founder had the wonderful opportunity to fill in for Justin Gaard (Thank you) and join Ahmad Hicks and Coach Ben Johnson on The Gophers Coaches Show.

Tune in to hear about their recent success, keys players stepping up, as well as their B1G game at the Barn tomorrow against Michigan State.

The show airs tonight at 8:00pm on FOX 9+ and 10:35pm on FOX 9. Check it out.

Go Gophers!

01/22/2024

"Paul Allen, the play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Vikings and KFAN radio host, said when he noticed Nolen’s charitable work, his ears perked and he sought to help. The devout Christian started by donating to Nolen’s foundation and then opened his morning radio show for him to come in and talk about Gophers basketball."

Minnesota men’s basketball’s newest commentator, Al Nolen, adds his philanthropic ethos and basketball expertise to the growing trend of athletes on the airwaves.

12/19/2023

12/18/2023

Our scholars from the Academy of Excellence program in North Minneapolis, had the amazing opportunity to spend the Holidays with Minnesota Men's Basketball.

We are very thankful for them taking time out of their busy schedule in season to host us for some holiday cheer. Our scholars are overjoyed and extremely grateful for their kindness and generosity. This is what building community is all about.

Special thank you to Coach Ben Johnson, gopher players and staff. Good luck on the rest of your season. Will be cheering you guys on all the way!

Go Gophers!

09/25/2023

𝓝𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝓾𝓹 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓬 🎤

Al Nolen has been named new color commentator of Gopher Men's Basketball!

📰: z.umn.edu/8xv9

08/26/2023

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

08/25/2023

“He came and visited me at my first job, and sat down with me in my office and talked to me,” recalled Nolen. “He’s always been a mentor of mine."

The late Clyde Turner operated his camps each summer for nearly 35 years as the Twin Cities’ longest-running summer basketball camp.

08/03/2023

This week at The Academy of Excellence program at Folwell Recreation (Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board ) in North Minneapolis. We were blessed to have a special guest appearance by Minnesota Men's Basketball players.

The players answered questions from our scholars and shared their individual journey's on what it took to get to the division one level. Which were all very inspirational and motivating for our kids. They even take part in a few games and activities with our scholars!

We couldn't be more thankful to Coach Ben Johnson, Kelsey Steinhagen, the players and all the other individuals within the organization who help make this once in a lifetime opportunity possible. I know our scholars will remember and cherish this moment forever!

04/24/2023

Had a great time speaking to players from Eagan Basketball Association sharing my professional and collegiate basketball experiences. I was amazed by how packed the gym was with coach's and players. They were definitely putting in some good work. I can't wait to go back and have the opportunity to put some work in with the players as well!