Catching up with Past Cats: Nic Wise
By Matt Stamp
Today I caught up with former Wildcat point guard Nic Wise. The Houston native played his high school ball at Kingwood HS and was recruited to Arizona by Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson. Wise played at Arizona from 2006 – 2010. During his junior year, Wise was named to the All-Pac-10 Second Team. In his senior campaign, Wise was selected to the All Pac-10 First Team.
What are you doing these days?
I’m playing professional ball in France right now for STB Le Havre. The season is finishing up so I am getting ready to come back home to the States soon.
What is the best part and the worst part about playing overseas?
The best part is getting paid very well to do what you love to do…. and the worst part is being away from your family and friends for over 8 months
When can Wildcat fans expect to be watching you do your thing in the NBA? What team would you most like to play for?
Hopefully I get a shot to play in the NBA soon, this summer messed up a few plans because of the NBA lockout but I’m looking forward to talking to teams and working out for them this summer. I Like the Pacers or the Rockets.
The Wildcats just missed out on a trip to the NCAA tournament. Why do you think they struggled this year? Were you able to follow/watch the team throughout the year?
I was able to watch a few games this year, it’s normally 3 or 4 a.m. here when they play so it’s tough but I just think they lacked a big inside presence that’s all.
You had one of the most challenging and unique college careers of any player…ever. You played under four different coaches in four years, what was that like? In the end, why did you decide to stick it out at Arizona?
Yeah my 4 years were different to say the least but everything happens for a reason so I didn’t complain much. It was the closeness of our team and players that helped me get through and stick it out every year.
Sean Miller had big shoes to fill when taking the program over after the Lute Olson transition. You played one year under Miller. How do you think he is doing so far?
I think he’s off to a good start. Getting to the Elite 8 last year and getting better recruiting classes each year. Once he has his own recruited players that fit his system best for a few years Arizona will be dominant again.
What was your greatest memory (or memories) from your time as an Arizona Wildcat?
My greatest memory was making it to the Sweet 16 my junior year with Chase and Jordan when people thought we shouldn’t have even been in the tournament.
With almost 8,000 followers and nearly 40,000 tweets, you are no stranger to the benefits of social media. What do you like about Twitter and why do you think it is such a popular thing right now for athletes like yourself?
I think Twitter is a great way to connect with your fans and also a way to see what your peers in your position are doing as well.
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A big thank you to Nic Wise for taking the time to talk with me. It was a pleasure and I have no doubt that he can play at the NBA level. He has the passion and work ethic needed to get there. Show your support and follow him on Twitter @TheNicWise.
What did you think of the interview? What is your favorite memory of Nic Wise as a Wildcat? Please feel free to leave your comments below! Thanks for reading!