Focus. Resilience. Vision. Three things that have remained at the forefront of Nathaniel Pollard Jr.'s mind throughout his journey with basketball, and ones that have played a pivotal role in his success thus far. Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, Nathaniel remembers his early introduction to the game as if it were yesterday. It all started with watching his dad and sister play the sport and hearing their personal stories with the game. It piqued his interest. It sparked a curiosity within him to write his own story in the space. This was just the start. Throughout elementary and middle school, Nathaniel continued to play for fun and strengthen his love for the game. It wasn't until his time in high school though—at Highland Springs High School—that he solidified his commitment to pursuing a career in basketball and was determined to one day play professionally. He was all in. Upon graduation, Nathaniel embarked on his collegiate basketball career at Eastern Arizona College—a Division I JUCO—where he played for two seasons before continuing his journey at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). From elevating his basketball IQ to strengthening his leadership skills to heightening his impact on the floor, Nathaniel kept leaving his mark on the game year after year. Earning an array of accolades throughout his time at both Eastern Arizona and UMES—including becoming a NJCAA D-I Region I Champion, earning an All-NJCAA D-I Region I First Team honor, and being named the HBCU All-Star MVP in the 2023 HBCU All-Star Game to name a few—, Nathaniel continued to cultivate his legacy within the sport. The rest is history!
Shortly after graduating from UMES, Nathaniel signed his first professional contract in Finland with Kipina Basket. This was it. This was the opportunity that would lead him closer to his dreams of one day playing in the NBA. He hasn't slowed down since. Nathaniel recently received a call-up to one of the top teams in Finland, Karhu Basket, after about nine games at Kipina Basket; and is excited for what's to come in this new chapter of his basketball career. Along with making an impact overseas, Nathaniel is eager to work towards that opportunity to play in the NBA and succeed there. Beyond the game, he is also excited to pursue a series of endeavors off the court to pay it forward and provide resources for younger generations as they chase their dreams. Truly inspiring!
Take us back to that journey early on in college! You played in JUCO before going to UMES. As you made that jump, what were some challenges that you faced early on and how did you work to overcome them?
My (journey) was different because I went into this knowing everything I had done at JUCO, but not going in there big-headed. I was like, “Ok, this is a new environment. I have to adjust.” I think the biggest challenge was with me going through COVID, gaining weight, losing that weight, trying to get back in shape—that was my biggest challenge. I've never really had a problem with school, building relationships with other teachers, building relationships with teammates, all of that. I always managed that well. I was (also) appointed captain by that year, so I think my biggest challenge definitely was going through COVID and having to alter my body to adjust to the Division I level. Looking back at it now, my body at the time was not going to suffice for what the Division I level required. I actually had COVID three times in that one year, so the biggest challenge was going through that, trying to stay ahead of everything, and getting in shape.
You also highlighted how that last year in your collegiate career propelled your career—going to the HBCU All-Star Game, being Top 10 in the country in rebounding, Top 10 in blocks and steals, etc. What did achieving those milestones and receiving those honors mean to you?
They mean a lot to me because it's telling me that my hard work is doing something—not only just for me, but the people around me. The effect that I have on a lot of things is rare. I've been told of that, but it's (another) thing for me to understand. Being a part of the All-Defensive team, All-MEAC, just let me know the talent that I got too. You know, I was the MEAC leader in rebounds, I was the first player in UMES history to be Top 10 in blocks and steals, Top 10 in the country in offensive rebounding rate…that stuff was great for me.
I never really paid too much (attention to) accolades, I always wanted to better my game; but one key component that really changed my season was the last game of the season when we lost to North Carolina Central. We lost that game and I hurt my ankle. I was going through so much just thinking about my senior year coming up and I really found a love for the game after that. I had a lot of conversations with my grandma that summer. She said, “I want to see you in the NBA.” I was like, “You’re going to see me in the NBA.” She passed away September 15th and we would have a lot of conversations that summer. We just didn't know how much time she had. She was going through cancer, she was looking weak, we didn’t want her to be in pain anymore so we just would have these conversations. I told her, “You're going to see me accomplish my dreams. You’re going to see me accomplish my goals. You're going to see me in the NBA.” Those conversations made it all more of a (mission) for me to do that. Not only did I find love for the game, but I (also) found one of my Whys. You know, (that reason) why I play the game. That day came and they told me the news that she had passed away, and I was at school when I heard about it so it hurt me even more. My girlfriend was there for me, my teammates were there for me, my coaches, my girlfriend's teammates, everybody. They were all there for me. I went home for the funeral, and that really put something in me. That (transformed) my mindset going into the season and helped me pursue more than what I was used to—that helped me get to those accolades, especially the HBCU MVP and all the accolades that I got at UMES.
How do you think your game elevated throughout your time in college to prepare you now for the professional level?
Going through JUCO, it helped me see more of what my strengths were. Going through Division I basketball, it helped me maintain and strengthen those strengths. My first skill in defense was rebounding, and this coach was defensive-minded, so he took my game in defense to a whole entire level that I never thought would happen. Now, I'm like a defensive anchor anywhere I go because of that mentality. I had to get that mentality of: “I'm going to go out here, I'm going to compete as hard as I can, play, and do what I need to do to win the game. I'm not gonna stop till we do.” So that definitely helped me out with my mentality. I always was a hard worker, but each level I went to helped me progress more. You know, how much harder can you work? How harder can you go? How much do you care for the team? It always taught me about my character and me as a basketball player.
If you could give someone insight into life overseas, how would you describe it?