Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with quotes from UNC men’s basketball’s official release on Pete Nance’s transfer on Monday, June 20.

The last open roster spot for the UNC men’s basketball team has been filled.

Northwestern transfer Pete Nance will use his final season of college eligibility to play with the Tar Heels next season, he announced on Saturday.

The announcement comes mere days after Nance reportedly took an official visit to Chapel Hill to meet with the team.

“I’m extremely excited to join the team at UNC, compete on the biggest stage and compete for a national championship,” said Nance in a release from the men’s basketball program. “The opportunity to join such an accomplished program with the North Carolina family backing is one I couldn’t pass up. I want to thank Northwestern for the past four years and for such an awesome experience. I made so many memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Nance played four seasons with Northwestern in the Big Ten and started 53 of his final 54 games. The six-foot, ten-inch forward from Akron, OH, averaged 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2021-22 season and shot almost 50 percent from the field. The big man also showed shooting touch from outside, shooting 45 percent on three-pointers on 93 attempts. Nance is also reliable from the foul stripe, shooting 76.8 percent on free throws last season with the Wildcats.

“To complete our roster, we needed a big-time experienced  player who could contribute right away,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis. “We found that player in Pete Nance. His character and proven ability, experience and leadership are the perfect fit to our team, program and community. I’m so thankful I will have the opportunity to coach Pete this upcoming season.”

Nance also has professional pedigree. His father Larry and older brother Larry Jr. have both played in the NBA. Larry Jr. currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, while Larry Sr. was a three-time All-Star and Slam Dunk Contest champion. In college, Larry Sr. frequently faced off against Dean Smith’s Tar Heels will playing for Clemson from 1977 through 1981.

The addition of Pete Nance will provide much-needed relief for Armando Bacot in the post, as the Carolina star was the only true post option for the Tar Heels last season. At 6-10, Nance is the same height as Bacot and will likely be called upon to fill in for him at center whenever Bacot sits on the bench.

Nance is the fourth transfer to join the Tar Heels since Hubert Davis took over as head coach in April 2021. Brady Manek, Justin McKoy and Dawson Garcia all joined the program prior to the 2021-22 season. Nance is also the second Northwestern player to transfer to the Triangle this summer, after his teammate Ryan Young joined Duke earlier in the offseason.

With this move, all scholarship spots on the team are now filled. Barring an unforeseen departure, Davis’ roster for next season is locked in.

 

Featured image via Northwestern Athletics

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