Pace progresses in US journey with Justice College offer

Maltese basketball player Nelly Lee Pace could be heading into the next stage of his US basketball career after announcing an offer from Arizona-based academy Justice College.

In a statement on the former Depiro and Mellieha Libertas guard-forward’s socials, he said discussions with the team’s assistant coach Korbin Graham had resulted in an offer to join the team.

“After a great talk with Coach Korban I am excited to announce that I have received an offer from Justice College,” the statement read, “I would like to thank my family and friends especially Coach Phil and Coach Kenyon and my teammates. All glory to God.”

If Pace commits to Justice College, the liberal arts college based in Chandler, AZ would be Pace’s second stop in America after spending several months at Ascending Life Christian prep Academy 27 kilometres away in Phoenix.

After starting the season at the Malta league leaders in the BOV Men’s Division 1, Pace travelled to the US during the winter months, a move which has reaped its rewards with the 6’4 player now achieving his target and playing college ball.

Prior to this, Pace was also playing in the UK at Sheffield College where he played in the British NBL Division Three, and averaged 10.4 points per game, 3.3 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in his final season.

Justice College has been part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) since January 2023 as a Division 1 member in the West Region and is also part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as part of its Division 1.

The NCCA also includes Wayland Baptist University which produced Mellieha Libertas’ Tedrick Wolfe.