Maltese youngster Nelly Lee Pace will be continuing his American experience at college level this coming season after committing to NAIA side Benedictine University Mesa on a basketball scholarship.
This move, confirmed by NextUpRecruitment on Saturday, takes Pace back to the US after his time at Ascending Life Prep school last season. The former Depiro and Mellieha Libertas player however will be crediting his longer spell in the UK at Sheffield College as the biggest contributor to him securing what Malta Basketball can confirm was the winner of six offers the guard had received.
At Arizona-based Ascending Life, where he joined after three years in Sheffield, Pace spent six months in the National Basketball and College Preparatory Boarding Program.
Now Pace will be heading back to Arizona to play in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), considered the highest NAIA league, with the BenU Redhawks under headcoach Frank Woodford.
When reached out to by Malta Basketball, Pace said his goal for the new season was to win games.
“For anyone that knows me knows that since I was a little kid, it was my wish to play collegiate basketball in the United States, but unfortunately in Malta, we’re told it’s impossible and not worth it,” Pace said.
“For me to defy those odds it truly means a lot, also the fact I have made numerous sacrifices – this is my fifth consecutive year being away from my family in the winter.
“Coming in as a freshman at BenU, my goal is to help Coach win games – simple. I truly believe I can be helpful this upcoming season which will be a great start going into my Junior year and so on.
“For any Maltese athlete of any sport, please keep your head high and don’t listen to anyone as the only person that knows what is best for you, is you.”
