Pepperdine Secures Commitment from New Zealand Guard
Pepperdine University has announced the addition of guard Dontae Russo-Nance to its men’s basketball roster for the 2026-27 season, a move that bolsters the Waves’ backcourt with a proven international pedigree.
Standing at 6-3 and hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Russo-Nance brings a blend of size, shooting and playmaking that coaches say fits the program’s fast-paced style.
His professional journey includes three seasons with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League, where he developed a reputation as a reliable scorer and defensive specialist.
Before that, he starred for the Manawatu Jets, averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.5 steals per game, a performance that earned him the league’s Youth Player of the Year award in 2022.
International Background and Achievements
Internationally, Russo-Nance has worn the Tall Blacks jersey and was selected for the senior squad that will compete in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, highlighting his status among the nation’s elite.
He also earned a spot at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend, an experience that exposed him to top coaches and prospects from around the world.
Pepperdine’s athletic director praised the signing, noting that Russo-Nance’s versatility and work ethic align with the university’s ambition to compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball.
Coaches expect the guard to contribute immediately, both on the scoreboard and in the locker room, as the Waves aim to climb the West Coast Conference standings.