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Pitt Walk-On Aron-Phillips Nwankwo Relishing Opportunity

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Fresh off the biggest performance of his career as he put up seven points and two rebounds in 12 minutes while providing a much needed spark for the Panthers, Pitt forward Aron Phillips-Nwankwo talked with Joe Starkey of the Starkey and Mueller Show about what this opportunity meant to him.

Nwankwo talked about the reception from the fans giving him a standing ovation as he came into the game and what it all meant to him.

"The whole night meant a lot to me," Phillips-Nwankwo said. "The standing ovation coming in was great.  It was nice to get the support from the Zoo and the student section and the whole gym.  I think it energized me and the whole team to get on a run."

Phillips-Nwankwo is a double major, majoring in Neuroscience and Africana Studies and talks about the emphasis his family, particularly his mother, placed on academics.

"My Mom made sure that I put that [academics] before everything ever since elementary school," Phillips-Nwankwo said.  "I've always had a lot of support and push towards getting good grades and just focusing on it and not taking it lightly because my Mom always told me education was the key to making a good life for yourself."

Phillips-Nwankwo lost his mother last year after a battle with breast cancer.

Click the audio link below to hear more from Phillips-Nwankwo as he talks about the build up to this moment and what it has been like waiting for his moment.

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