FORT WAYNE, Ind. — His father was a three-time NBA All-Star and his older brother was a first-round pick, yet somehow, someway, Pete Nance’s recruitment has managed to fly under the radar.
That is by design.
“I like to keep things private,” Nance said Saturday at the Spiece Run N Slam.
That might be a bit of an understatement.
For example, Nance was only recently added to the 247Sports composite ratings — as the 37th-ranked prospect in the country. Various recruiting services differ on Nance’s ability. He isn’t ranked by 247, but Rivals has him rated as a four-star prospect and the No. 39-ranked player in the 2018 class. Scout also lists him as a four-star and the No. 76-ranked player in the country.
College programs have been aware of Nance for some time now, however, and it’s fairly easy to see why. He is a versatile 6-foot-9 forward who can play multiple positions. He is self-described as a "point-forward" and with the NBA bloodlines, the upside is there.
“I need to work on everything, really," Nance said. "Shooting, ball handling and I’ve probably got to get a little bit stronger. It’s going OK. I need to work more.”
Nance did not elaborate much on his recruitment, but it has been reported he has a top-three that consists of Ohio State, Northwestern and Michigan. Buckeyes head coach Thad Matta and Wildcats head coach Chris Collins each watched him play last week during one of the April live periods. Additionally, Nance recently picked up offers from Clemson — his father’s alma mater — and Florida.
He likes where things stand right now when it comes to Ohio State.
“They’re great people," Nance said of Matta and Co. "Just really nice guys and I think they’re great coaches.”
The Buckeyes have a pair of commitments in their 2018 class already in Dane Goodwin and Justin Ahrens. The recent decommitment of Darius Bazley should allow Ohio State to pursue a combo forward in his place. The Buckeyes already ramped up their pursuit of another in-state prospect — Jerome Hunter — and they’ll likely continue to recruit Nance, as well.
Nance averaged 16.5 points per game last season as a junior at Richfield Revere. He could play AAU for just about any team he wants but instead, runs with the Akron Bobcats — a rather unheralded program he’s played with nearly his entire life.
It’s a unique situation for someone who comes from such a basketball family.
Larry Nance Sr. played 13 seasons in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a three-time NBA All-Star and his jersey number is retired by the Cavaliers organization. Larry Nance Jr.’s recruitment flew a bit under the radar, too, like his younger brother’s. Nance Jr. ended up at Wyoming and then wound up a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2015. Additionally, Pete’s sister Casey played collegiately at Dayton.
Pete Nance is trying to become the next to have a successful career and create his own path.
No matter where he ends up.
"I don't really have a timeline," he said. "It's all even right now."
