Men's Basketball: Connolly leaves opponents seeing red

The human American icon is sophomore center Brendan Connolly, officially listed at 6 feet 11 inches and 252 pounds. He played sparingly his freshman year but has developed into a consistent force down low for Princeton (3-3). Connolly started all six games so far this season, averaging 19 minutes, four points and four rebounds per game.

“Brendan gives us a new dimension we didn’t have last year down low,” sophomore forward Mack Darrow said. “He’s opened up the offense a little bit.”

Mostly, though, he has established his physical presence below the rim, notching 15 personal fouls, third on the team, despite playing for the sixth-most minutes. Rotating with Darrow, he has found success as the team’s intimidator. Against the tall lineup of Rutgers, Connolly played his best performance of the year in 39 minutes of playing time, garnering seven points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Connolly cited better conditioning as the primary reason for his improvement over last season.

“Last year, I couldn’t get up and down the floor quite as well,” he said. “Overall, it’s helped out a lot.”

Connolly has caused a stir among Princeton’s fans for reasons other than his play. His large figure, bright hair and Tennessee roots created a particular interest as soon as he stepped on the court his freshman year.

“When you see a 6-foot-10 ginger walking around, there’s no shortage of jokes you can make,” Darrow said.

Connolly added that teammates call him various nicknames, including “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Scalabrine,” after the Chicago Bulls’ red-headed forward.

Connolly has also gained some notoriety for his peculiar wardrobe. He sometimes wears American flag apparel, including generic sweatshirts and T-shirts.

“One I got for $2 from Walmart, and the other one is sleeveless. They are great lounging shirts and show off some American spirit,” Connolly said. “I definitely love America, but it’s kind of a joke on the extreme rednecks I encounter down there [in Tennessee] too,” Connolly said.

Darrow, though, did not seem to get the joke. “We all love America, obviously,” he said. “But maybe not as much as Brendan.”

Connolly seems to be following in the sizable footsteps of last year’s center, Pawel Buczak ’10. Buczak started every game at center, averaged fewer than five points a game and led the team in fouls, similar to Connolly’s numbers. Buczak’s Polish background, accent and 6-foot-11-inch frame also made him one of the more interesting personalities on the team.

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“We’re both loose guys and have similar calm, mild-mannered personalities,” Connolly said.

As the season progresses, Connolly will try to improve on his low .304 field-goal percentage. His importance to the Tigers’ offense largely rests in his 12 offensive rebounds, good for second on the team, and his 13 assists, which are tied for third on the team.

Despite his offensive help, Connolly said he relishes his position as a defender.

“It makes my role important, and I try to keep people off the block,” he said. “I set the tone for the rest of the defense.”