Larry Nance Jr has claimed he cannot ‘even fathom’ how good Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray is at just 17-years-old.
Nance Jr was speaking on the Leeds That Podcast where he was questioned on Gray due to the parallels he shares as an athlete.
Like Gray, Nance Jr has followed in his father’s footsteps to represent the same team in the NBA at the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nance Jr is part of the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises investment group that completed a full takeover of Leeds during the summer, and has really immersed himself within the club and to supporters.
He has been seen welcoming new signings on social media and was also in attendance at Leeds‘ 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion last month.
Nance Jr shares verdict on Leeds’ Gray
Gray has been one of the shining lights at Leeds so far this season having started all seven of the Whites’ matches across all competitions.
Speaking through the eyes of an athlete, Nance Jr says he cannot get his head around the level Gray is playing at such a young age, while also reflecting on what he was doing at the age of 17.
He said: “My view of sports is a little different because I look at it through a lens of an athlete so I cannot imagine being on that big of a stage, I can’t even fathom. The fact that he’s doing what he’s doing and just looks so composed is shocking because at 17 I was playing dodgeball in gym clubs.
“To be playing for a top-tier Championship side looking to get promoted is just incredible. When he made his full debut I made sure to message him to say congratulations, really, really cool stuff. I am partial to him as he wears the 22 also.”
It is good to see Nance Jr continuing to really involve himself in the culture at Leeds even if his role as an investor is extremely miniscule.
To hear that he messaged Gray following his debut against Cardiff City is also brilliant to hear and that level of passion on the board can only stand Leeds in good stead.
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