Nances Future Plans Include Charlotte
Chris Nance, a ruggedly built 6-7, 252 pound power forward from Redlands C.C. in El Reno, Okla., committed to Charlotte today.
JUCO Junction confirmed Nance's decision with Redlands Head Coach Steve Eck. Nance and two of his Cougar teammates announced their college selections at a 1 p.m. C.S.T. press conference.
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Nance took official visits this fall to Charlotte (Sept. 19-21) and New Mexico State (Sept. 26-28). Oregon and Louisiana Tech were the other programs courting Nance this fall, Eck said.
"Chris has a 3.9 GPA and wants to major in business," Eck explained. "And he thought that Charlotte, business wise, and being on the East Coast would help him more with his future goals."
Eck stressed that it was no easy decision for Nance, who had formed a strong relationship with the coaching staff at New Mexico State.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nance red-shirted the 2002-2003 season at Redlands with chronic back problems. As a freshman for the Cougars in 2001-2002, Nance was part of an NJCAA Division II National Championship squad.
That year, he averaged 6.6 points and 7.1 rebounds. Without him last year, Redlands finished 32-3 and qualified for the NJCAA Division I Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.
Nance is hoping to solidify the Cougar frontcourt this winter, where he will team with 6-9 Thomas Fairley and 6-8 Taj Gray to form an imposing front line.
"Chris gets rebounds for us," Eck said. "He also plays defense, boards and gets a lot of put backs."
JUCO Junction caught Nance in action this past summer at the Jerry Mullen JC Showcase in Tulsa. While he was a bit rusty at that event due to his year off, we expect to see an improved Nance in three weeks at the Mullen/Mitchell Jamboree in Dallas, Tex.