:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46514184/GettyImages-1935319.0.jpg)
Josh Pace was a terrific player during his time as a Syracuse Orange from 2001-2005. He came to Syracuse from Atlanta where he averaged just shy of a double-double in his senior high school campaign with 26 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
At Syracuse, Pace was a menace. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. Pace did a plethora of things well on the court -- he had excellent court vision, good ball control, he could play defense and perhaps you've heard of his left-handed floater. Yes, the illustrious left-handed floater that turned Pace into a fan favorite and turned the Carrier Dome into bedlam.
After winning the National Championship in 2003, freshman phenom Carmelo Anthony would declare for the NBA Draft, leaving Pace to supersede Anthony at the starting small forward position. Pace would go on to have an outstanding year, doubling his scoring from the previous season while leading the team in steals in 2003-2004.
Most recently, Pace has played professionally in New Zealand. Starting in 2010, Pace played in the NBL during the traditional basketball offseason before playing permanently with the Manawatu Jets in 2012. Pace was able to play in the NBL during the offseason as the basketball season in New Zealand begins in April.
Pace had a very decorated career in New Zealand and Australia. Operating under the sobriquet, "The Silent Assassin" Pace would lead the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks to the ABA title this season while taking home the MVP trophy, his second time winning the award. He was named ABA MVP in 2009-2010 as well. Pace announced his retirement from the professional ranks this year however he will compete in this summer's The Basketball Tournament.
Pace later drew comparisons to C.J. Fair because both had excellent mid-range games, but Fair was a better shooter and Pace was a better passer.
Pace is a winner -- he's won everywhere he's been. And let's face it, Pace was shooting floaters before the term floater was ever incarnated.
If you're drowning and need help, just have JP throw you a floatation device.