The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator boys basketball’s Nolan Lukach

A whopping 798 votes were cast for The Times Athlete of the Week in an online ballot, with Streator boys basketball senior post Nolan Lukach capturing 425 to win the honor.

Also on the ballot were runner-up Chloe Carmona (Ottawa girls wrestling), Connor Dodge (Woodland boys basketball) and Alex Schaefer (Marquette boys wrestling).

Lukach continues to tear it up for the Bulldogs, following up Friday’s 15-point, 11-rebound double-double with a 28-point, 11-rebound one in a Saturday win at Rochelle.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

Do you have any nicknames?

Lukach: Yes, pretty much everyone calls me GNL.

How old were you when you started playing basketball, and what got you into the sport?

Lukach: I was about 5 years old when I was signed up for the YMCA basketball league, and my dad was the coach.

What goals do you have for yourself and for the team as the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches?

Lukach: The goal from Day 1 has been to win a regional championship.

This season has been a breakout one for you. What have been the key factors in your senior-year success?

Lukach: My teammates and I have been able to turn our defense into offense. They’ve been awesome at getting me the ball at my spots and seeing passing lanes even before I do sometimes. I’ve also been able to add some perimeter game to complement my inside game.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Lukach: History, and it’s not close.

If you could see any musical artist in concert anywhere in the world tomorrow night, all expenses paid, who would you choose and where would you see them?

Lukach: I would love to see Morgan Wallen, and as for the place, I’d say Dallas, Texas, at AT&T Stadium.

What movie would you say you’ve watched more than any other? About how many times?

Lukach: The movie I’ve watched the most would be “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and I’ve watched it probably 25 times or more. I usually watch it about three times every year around Christmas.

If you could have a long conversation over lunch with anyone in human history, who would you choose?

Lukach: I would choose Adam Sandler, because he is one of the funniest actors I’ve watched. My No. 2 would have to be Abraham Lincoln, though, because some of his stories would have to be incredible, and I would love to be president one day.

What have been your three favorite high school gyms you’ve played in?

Lukach: 1) Nothing beats a Friday Night home game at Pops in Streator. 2) Kingman Gym at Ottawa. 3) [Torry Gymnasium], where Washington plays.

You and the team just scored a big victory and are going out to dinner to celebrate. Where are you going, and what are you ordering?

Lukach: If we are on the road, we are going to the nearest Culver’s and I’m getting a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a cup of chili, then right before we leave an Oreo Concrete Mixer. If we are at home, the go-to is Taco Bell, and I’m getting two Doritos Locos Tacos, one Soft Shell Taco, chips and cheese and two Cinnabon Delights.

Is there something about you that people who only know you through sports might find surprising?

Lukach: I show cattle competitively throughout the Midwest and at national shows.

Do you have any college plans? If so, do they involve sports?

Lukach: I’m going to attend the University of Illinois. However, if the right basketball opportunity presented itself, I wouldn’t be opposed.