Sweat drips onto the polished gym floors as two brothers run through drills after practice officially ends. Sophomores Draeton Nance and Noah Dulin move in sync, calling out plays, correcting footwork, and pushing each other through every rep. The gym echoes with the sound of bouncing basketballs and steady determination, a familiar routine for the duo who have turned countless hours of work into varsity success. That commitment has paid off. After earning varsity minutes as freshmen last season, Nance and Dulin now both hold starting positions on the Davie men’s varsity basketball team. Their rise is fueled not only by talent but by a bond that extends far beyond the court.

“Working hard every day and pushing each other to get better got us to where we are today,” Nance says.

A Shared Beginning

Basketball entered the brothers’ lives early, with the two beginning to play in kindergarten. Quickly, the two realized the sport gave them something to share and something to chase together. What started as a childhood activity soon became a passion they both took seriously.

Over the years, Nance and Dulin played for multiple AAU programs, including Fast Break, Team Fly, North Davie, South Davie, and now AAU TP4 (Team Pittman), in addition to Davie men’s basketball. Competing on different teams exposed them to new coaching styles, teammates, and expectations, helping them refine their skills. 

“Being able to play on a variety of teams has helped us build a skill set we didn’t know was possible,” Dulin says.

More Than Athletes

From the stands, many fans recognize the brothers as an athletic duo known for their speed and versatility. Their father, James Nance, sees something deeper.

“They’re really good kids—very respectful, well-mannered, and they work hard,” James Nance says. “I’m blessed to have a front row seat to watch them grow.”

Off the court, their discipline and attitude mirror the way they play the game. That consistency has made them role models within the program.

Nance and Dulin’s presence has left a noticeable impact on Davie’s junior varsity team. Freshman JV player Ty Cozart and sophomore JV player Paxton Lewis say the brothers’ energy and positivity set the tone during practices and games. Cozart and Lewis describe them as leaders who balance intensity with encouragement, never missing an opportunity to lift teammates’ spirits.

“They set the bar high for how to be great leaders,” Cozart says.

Brotherhood On The Court

Being brothers is one thing. Being brothers competing at the same level is another. Nance and Dulin say their relationship allows honesty that strengthens both their games. Mistakes are addressed quickly, feedback is direct, and trust is never questioned.

“They trust each other,” James Nance says. “That brother bond is something you can’t teach.”

That connection translates into chemistry on the court, anticipating each other’s movements and holding each other accountable in ways only siblings can.

A Coach’s Perspective

Joshua Pittman, head coach of Davie men’s varsity basketball and AAU TP4, has coached the brothers for years and has watched their bond develop firsthand. Pittman says their relationship benefits the entire team.

“They bring energy and effort every day,” Pittman says.

Pittman relates personally to their experience, having played basketball alongside his own brother.

“It brings back those memories and the connection I had,” Pittman adds.

Eyes On The Future

As the season progresses, the brothers share a clear goal: to go undefeated in conference and reach the state finals.

The goal reflects more than ambition; it reflects belief.

“We know what this team is capable of,” Nance says.

For Nance and Dulin, success isn’t measured only by wins. It’s built through trust, work ethic, and a bond formed long before the first varsity tip-off, one that continues to power everything they do — together.