UNC basketball forward [autotag]Pete Nance[/autotag] came into Tuesday’s game against Gardner-Webb with 13 total points and just three made field goals on the season.
In the 72-66 win over the Runnin’ Bulldogs, Nance broke out and showed fans why he was the highly sought-out transfer this offseason.
Nance scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting and was 3-of-5 from three. He also added five rebounds and three blocks.
The 6-foot-10 forward was the most aggressive he had been since joining the UNC program and it started right from the tip. He scored 14 of the first 17 Tar Heels’ points and finished with 16 first half points.
“Obviously haven’t played as well as I’ve wanted to in the past couple of games,” Nance said postgame. “So being able to contribute and help this team win, I think, is something that I felt good about.”
“He was in a really good rhythm on the offensive end in the first half,” UNC head coach Hubert Davis said. “That was something I see everyday in practice… for that to be on display was terrific.”
Nance came into this season looking to replace the hole left with the departure of Brady Manek. Both players have different skillsets but Nance has a versatility that Manek didn’t have. While he came in known as having the ability to shoot the ball from deep, it wasn’t the best part of his game.
In 109 previous games, Nance only had 10 games with three or more 3s (career high is four).
“It felt good. I was glad I was able to get some shots to fall,” Nance said. “I’ve been trying to shoot with confidence, but it’s definitely good to see you know the work pay off and then have some shots going for me. Being a shooter you know, sometimes they go in sometimes they don’t. Tonight they were.”
Make or miss, the shots Nance took tonight, both from deep and around the paint, are ones that he needs to take. While the Tar Heels have numerous shooters in the lineup most times, Nance’s ability to be a pick and pop player — something Armando Bacot can’t do — is something that is extremely important for the growth of this offense.
He doesn’t need to hit at the same clip he did tonight, but he needs to be that consistent shot maker and shot taker.
“What he did in the first half, it’s something that we’re gonna need,” UNC guard RJ Davis said. “Super-proud of him, the way he was able to come out not even just on the offensive end, but he got that big block and it was nice to see that big smile on him.”
James Madison is next up for the Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon before heading out west to the Phil Knight Invitational.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.