NBA Mock Drafts: Larry Nance looking to find his way into the NBA

Wyoming hasn’t had a player in the NBA since 2012 when Josh Davis appeared in 15 games for the Memphis Grizzlies. But Larry Nance may change that, as the forward is projected as a late second round pick.

Currently, Draft Express has Nance going 54^th to Utah. Plus two of CBS Sports’ draft experts have Nance getting picked in the 50s. CBS also has Nance ranked as the 54^th best prospect for the 60-pick NBA Draft.

After leading Wyoming to the Mountain West Tournament championship, Nance became the first Cowboy to be invited to the NBA Draft Combine since Theo Ratliff two decades ago.

As a junior in 2013-14 Nance averaged 15.4 points and 8.2 rebounds on 54.4 percent shooting. He followed that up with 16.1 points and 7.2 rebounds on 51.4 percent shooting in his senior campaign.

He saw his three point percentage rise from 23.7 percent as a junior to 33.3 percent as a senior. The improved jumper plus his ability to attack the basket made him one of the best offensive options in the Mountain West. He has the potential to be a useful stretch four in the NBA, which bodes well given the desire for quick, shooting big men.

Nance’s father, Larry Nance Sr., was drafted in the first round of the 1981 draft by the Phoenix Suns at 20. And there’s been some speculation that Nance Jr. could hear his name called in the first round too.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After some strong NBA pre-draft workouts, ex-Wyoming F Larry Nance may be climbing into 1st round. Spurs seem especially intrigued.</p>&mdash; Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamAmicoFSO/status/611250278847778816">June 17, 2015</a></blockquote>

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The Spurs have the 26^th pick of the first round and the 55^th pick in round two. The NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. PT and will be televised by ESPN.