Nathan Tice '19 Recruiting Profile

I’m often asked, “What is it that you love about basketball?”  I don’t know how to answer that. How do you explain something that is such an important part of who you are?  Just like food and water, basketball is a necessity for me. There are very few days in my entire life where I have not picked up a basketball.  Ever since I can remember, basketball has been a primary focus; it’s an integral part of who I am.  When I’m not playing basketball, I’m watching basketball.  Whether I’m studying game tape or players at the collegiate and professional levels, I know there is always more to learn and I strive to improve every day.

If I were to pick out the one comment that I hear most from coaches and others about my basketball ability, it would be that I have an extremely high basketball IQ.  I don’t just focus on the next pass or shot, I see the whole court.  I see plays before they happen.  I’m not just a lover of the game; I’m a student of the game. Not only am I intelligent and dedicated on the court, I’m intelligent and dedicated in the classroom. My grades are extremely important to me and I work hard to maintain a high GPA.   When I played AAU, my coach referred to me as the “ultimate teammate”. Every practice I came with the same positive attitude and worked to improve, not only my own skills, but those of my teammates.  My dedication to the game is what has helped me to be successful on the court. For example, I began my Sophomore season on the junior varsity team. By the fifth game of the year I was a varsity starter, where I have remained. One of the main reasons that I became a varsity starter was my ability to shoot.  Multiple people have complemented me over the years on my shooting ability, and I would say that it is one of my best attributes as a player. My 38% three-point percentage this season is one example. 

Beyond my shooting ability, my high basketball IQ and sense of what it means to be a teammate make me a great candidate for the collegiate level.  Ideally, I would like to play for a coach that pushes me beyond what I think I’m capable. Not only would the coach know me as a basketball player, he would get to know me as a person.  I want to play for a program where the focus is on playing team basketball and being students of the game.  This type of program would allow me to be the best player and teammate that I can be.