Larry Nance

Larry Donnell Nance Sr. was born on February 12, 1959, in Anderson, South Carolina. He embarked on his basketball journey at Clemson University, where he played for the Clemson Tigers and contributed to the team’s advancement to the Elite Eight in his junior year. Following a successful college career, Nance was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1981 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his 14-season professional basketball career. He quickly made a name for himself, not only through his impressive scoring and rebounding but also by becoming the first winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, earning him the nickname “The High-Ayatolla of Slamola.”

Nance consistently demonstrated a high level of performance, averaging over 16 points and 8 rebounds per game for all eleven seasons as a starter. His best scoring season was 1986–1987, where he averaged 22.5 points per game. On February 25, 1988, Nance was part of a significant trade that sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move proved beneficial for Cleveland, as Nance became a crucial component of their contending team, forming a formidable frontcourt presence alongside Brad Daugherty. He continued to excel, earning three NBA All-Star selections in 1985, 1989, and 1993. Nance was also recognized for his defensive prowess, being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1989 and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in both 1992 and 1993.

Throughout his career, Nance was known as one of the league’s top shot blockers, averaging 2.2 blocks per game and setting a record for the most blocked shots by a non-center upon his retirement. His career concluded after the 1993–1994 season, during which he largely missed play due to a knee injury that ultimately led to his retirement in September 1994. After basketball, Nance remained involved in sports through initiatives like his local business support during the pandemic and as a co-owner of Premier League club Leeds United.