“That play defines Tyler Nading,” Head Coach Mark Edwards said. “Score, steal, and on the floor twice on the same play.”

Now a senior, the 6-foot-7-inch forward, who has started all 99 games of his Wash. U. career, continues to be defined by his hustle, energy and all-around versatility at both ends of the floor. Nading is currently second on the team in scoring (13.2 points per game), second in rebounding (5.4 per game), first in steals (1.4 per game) and first in free throws made and attempted (53-70 on the season).

What concerns Nading most, though, is doing whatever he can to help the Bears win.
“I just pride myself on doing whatever it takes to help the team win: to get the steals or to take a charge or to get a rebound late in the game,” Nading said.
Anyone who has seen Nading in action knows that there is much more to his game than what shows up in the box score.

“Tyler is the motivating force behind our team,” Edwards said. “He’s just as responsible for as many wins as anybody [who is] scoring 20 points. He’s capable of stepping up statistically, too, and on nights when we really need him is when he comes through.”

“Great competitor, very, very versatile, capable of dominating a game on the defensive end and at times on the offensive end,” University of Rochester Head Coach Mike Neer said of Nading. “I think he’s unselfish, and I think he’s the glue to the Wash. U. team.”

Despite flying under the radar at times, Nading has received his fair share of accolades since arriving on the Danforth Campus in the fall of 2005. After his freshman year, he was named UAA Rookie of the Year and made the DIII News Freshmen All-America Team. Two years ago, he was second-team All-UAA, and last year, he was named first-team All-UAA as well as a DIII News Honorable Mention All-American. And perhaps most impressively, he entered this, his final season, as a D3hoops.com Pre-Season Second Team All-American.

But for Nading, always the consummate team player, individual honors pale in comparison to team achievements.

“I love being recognized individually…but ultimately it really, really is not what matters,” Nading said. “And the fact that I have a ring and I have the experience of being a national champion with our team last year just means so much more.”

That national championship is due in large part not only to the points, steals and rebounds Nading contributes to the team but also to the infectious energy he brings to the court every game.

“I think the things [he does] are contagious amongst the team on the floor. When he turns up his game, everyone else turns up theirs,” Edwards said.

As Nading’s celebrated four-year career winds down and he continues to climb Wash. U.’s all-time rankings, he remains as humble as always. He currently ranks third in school history in steals and 10th in both points and field goals made. Rather than concerning himself with personal accolades, Nading is focused on making more memories, like the steal against Emory and the national championship win.

“It seems like every week I’m reminded by someone, whether it’s Coach or someone on the team or something random, that this is my last go-around,” Nading said, “So I need to take some time and just enjoy it and remember how grateful I am for the experience that I’ve had.”