Former Northwestern forward Pete Nance posted 16 points and seven rebounds for the Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Summer League, continuing to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 season.
Former Northwestern forward Pete Nance continued his impressive start to the 2026 NBA Summer League, turning in another strong performance for the Milwaukee Bucks despite their loss to the Miami Heat.
Nance finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, ranking second on the team in both scoring and rebounding. The veteran forward also showcased his perimeter shooting, knocking down 4 of his 5 three-point attempts while helping keep Milwaukee competitive throughout the contest.
The former Wildcat wasted little time making an impact.
Nance caught fire during the first half, scoring 16 points and grabbing four rebounds before halftime while stretching Miami’s defense with his outside shooting.
His ability to space the floor and consistently knock down open shots gave the Bucks a reliable offensive option early in the game and reminded everyone why Milwaukee chose to bring him back this offseason.
Unlike many players competing in Summer League, Nance already has valuable NBA experience under his belt.
Entering his fourth professional season, the 26-year-old has appeared in 68 NBA games across stints with Cleveland, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. After signing a new contract with the Bucks earlier this week, Summer League represents another opportunity to reinforce the progress he made during a breakout 2025-26 campaign.
Although Nance already has NBA experience, these games remain important.
Summer League allows him to continue building chemistry within Milwaukee's system while showing he deserves a consistent role in the Bucks' rotation this season. Strong performances like Friday's only strengthen his case as he looks to establish himself as a dependable frontcourt contributor for a team with championship aspirations.
Before reaching the NBA, Nance spent four seasons at Northwestern, where he steadily developed into one of the Wildcats' most versatile players. Across 107 career games, he averaged 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists, steadily expanding his offensive game each season.
His senior campaign proved to be his best, as Nance averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 45.2% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor, move the basketball and create mismatches as a 6-foot-9 forward made him one of the Big Ten's most unique offensive players.
Mar 9, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) dribbles in on Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Derrick Walker (13) in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesThose same skills continue to translate to the professional level.
Modern NBA offenses value versatile forwards who can defend multiple positions while consistently knocking down perimeter shots, and Nance has continued proving he can fill that role. His efficient shooting and overall versatility have become some of his biggest strengths as he continues carving out an NBA career.
For Northwestern fans, another productive Summer League outing is another reminder of the program's growing presence in professional basketball. Alongside former Wildcats such as Nick Martinelli, Brooks Barnhizer and Boo Buie, Nance continues representing Northwestern at the highest level while taking important steps toward securing a larger role with Milwaukee.
With Summer League still underway, Nance will have additional opportunities to build on his strong start, continue earning Milwaukee's trust and strengthen his case for a consistent role in the Bucks' rotation during the 2026-27 season.
