4-star Dontae Russo-Nance talks official visits; updates recruitment

Dontae Russo-Nance is the No. 25 player in the 2024 On3 150. The 6-foot-3 guard has led Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill in scoring this season, showcasing a savvy feel for the game.

“I’d say I have a high basketball IQ,” Nance-Russo told On3. “I can shoot, and I just try to make the right play for my teammates and play free. I’m still trying to get my rhythm for the game over here and with my teammates. Kyrie Irving has been my favorite player for a while now, how he handles it and his footwork.”

Last season Russo-Nance played in the New Zealand NBL for the Aukland Tuatara. He finished top ten in assists (4.4) and led the league in steals (2.9). As a 16-year-old playing in a professional league, he also averaged 15.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in helping to lead his team to the championship game. College coaches have already taken notice.

On3 caught up with Dontae Russo-Nance after a recent live viewing to get an update on his recruitment and talk about visits.

“I took an official visit to UC-Berkley a couple of weeks ago, and I went to Xavier,” Russo-Nance said.

Russo-Nance talks recruitment

California: “I enjoyed getting to know the coaches and the players out there. They are very welcoming. It was my first college visit, so it was cool to see what college life was like. Seeing how the players go to school, how they train, their living experience.”

Xavier: “Their success speaks for itself; they’re a good program. I got to know them more by being around them and seeing what the day-to-day looks like with them. They keep in touch regularly and talk to me about my games and all. We are building a relationship.”

“I’ve been talking to Gonzaga,” Russo-Nance said. “They keep in touch and update me with their games. I talked with Memphis recently, and they’re keeping in touch. I talk with Wake Forest and Louisville a lot. We are still trying to wait and see when we can get visits scheduled.”

2023 or 2024?

“I’ve talked with a few coaches about coming out in 2023,” Russo-Nance said. “To be honest with you, I’m still not sure; just waiting to see how the season goes. I’m going to look at what school will be the best option, the best fit for me, and how ready I am.”

In Russo-Nance’s words

“I’m really trying to get to know these teams,” Russo-Nance said. “I’m not really looking at the program if a team is mediocre on the court. I’ll be looking at who will be loyal to me and be able to get me to get better and get where I need to go. My goal is the NBA, so I’m going in with that on my mind.

“I don’t mind playing off the ball, playing with bigs, spacing the floor. I can do both, really, but coaches have been recruiting me to play on the ball.

“College looks like the route for me right now. I haven’t spoken to anyone yet, directly about anything pro. But, at the end of the day, we are going to look at what the best option is for me and what will help me get to the NBA.”