UD forward Santos hoping NBA team likes him enough to offer contract
James Tong | Opinions Editor
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Dayton forward Nate Santos practices his 3-point shooting in preparation for his upcoming NBA workouts.
(Photo Courtesy: James Tong, Flyer News)
Dayton forward Nate Santos, having no more eligibility for college basketball remaining, is looking toward a future he hopes includes joining an NBA team.
A transfer from Pittsburgh, Santos’ career at Dayton began in the 2023-24 season where he made an immediate impact on the court and became a key player for the Flyers throughout the season. His impact was felt most during the team’s trip to the 2023 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, when the team lost in the finals to the then AP-ranked No. 6 Houston Cougars from the Big 12.
This season, Santos averaged 14.3 points per game (ppg) on 44% shooting and 5.6 rebounds. Santos most recently played in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) and put up averages of 9.7 ppg while shooting 38.5% from the field and grabbing 4 rebounds per game. His team won two-thirds of their games by a single point, but lost in the finals.
Santos is looking to become the third consecutive Flyer to make an NBA roster. While not disclosing details, he told this Flyer News reporter that he has several workouts coming up with NBA teams.
He didn’t mention if any more were coming up, but when asked what his plan was if the NBA doesn’t pan out, Santos mentioned that he’d probably play overseas, but chose not to go into too much detail.
According to Alan Lu of NBA Scouting Live, Santos is “an athletic, energetic forward… can shoot and score [the ball] but will need to show NBA teams that he can play at higher levels… could end up being a 3 and D role player.”
The star forward is known to be a hard worker, looking to constantly improve his game. He’s been known by teammates and friends to be found shooting in the facility after dark when no one is watching, often shooting alone, utilizing machines to help get shots up.
“He’s a hard worker,” said former Flyer and current Denver Nugget DaRon Holmes II. “He’s in the gym shooting when no one’s there and puts the work in.”
Santos’ academic accolades are no small feat. He made the Atlantic-10 (A-10) Commissioner’s Honor Roll last year while also being named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court and a member of the A-10 All-Academic Team just last year. He once again made the All-Academic team this season. This season he was awarded The Charles R. Kendall Award for Athletic and Academic Achievement at the R.U.D.Y.S., named a member of the Dayton All-Academic Team and was a 4.00 Flyers Award Winner.
His accolades on the court are just as impressive. He won the 2024 Chris Daniels Memorial Most Improved Player Award last season while being named Third Team All-Atlantic 10. His performance in the Charleston Classic earned his being named to the All-Tournament Team. This season, Santos received Preseason First Team A-10 honors, which turned into being named a Second Team All-Atlantic 10 player. He also shared the White-Allen MVP with fellow senior Enoch Cheeks.