All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Product Gets Another Shot to Live NBA Dream

Cleveland has several reasons to be fond of UNC basketball alum Pete Nance.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

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North Carolina Tar Heels

On Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers announced the signing of recent one-year UNC basketball talent Pete Nance to a two-way contract.

Nance, who averaged 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds for the 2022-23 Tar Heels following four seasons at Northwestern, went undrafted last summer yet played in two Cavaliers games in late January while on a 10-day deal. But he saw only four minutes of action combined.

And he failed to post his first NBA point, rebound, assist, steal, or block. He missed his only two field goal attempts.

There's no telling when Nance will get his next chance to register more than just minutes or misses in an NBA game. After all, the Cavaliers (36-17), No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings, are a title contender. They're filling the open two-way slot because they recently converted Craig Porter Jr. to a regular contract.

Nevertheless, the new deal indicates that Nance, averaging 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds in 29 G League appearances for the Cleveland Charge, has impressed the Cavs brass.

Coincidentally, the 6-foot-11, 230-pound forward, the son of Cleveland legend Larry Nance and younger brother of former four-year Cavs big man Larry Nance Jr., also celebrated his 24th birthday on Monday.

Pete Nance joins Cam Johnson, Cole Anthony, Coby White, Reggie Bullock, Nassir Little, Leaky Black, Harrison Barnes, and Day'Ron Sharpe as the ninth UNC basketball product on an active NBA contract (not counting players who began their college careers in Chapel Hill before transferring elsewhere).

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Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more updates on NBA Tar Heels and other UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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