Nate Sestina

Sestina was born in St. Marys, Pennsylvania and grew up in Emporium, Pennsylvania. As a senior at Cameron County High School, Sestina averaged 22.6 points and 14 rebounds per game and was named the North Tier Conference Player of the Year. He finished high school with 1,703 points and 955 rebounds, a school record.{{cite web |last=Tipton |first=Jerry |date=September 26, 2019 |title=Nate Sestina playing for UK basketball creates euphoria in Emporium |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article235417317.html |access-date=December 6, 2019 |website=Kentucky.com}} Sestina committed to play college basketball at Bucknell over offers from 11 other schools.{{cite web |last=Close |first=Andy |date=September 1, 2014 |title=Cameron County's Nate Sestina Bucknell bound |url=http://www.bradfordera.com/sports/cameron-county-s-nate-sestina-bucknell-bound/article_a110deac-3223-11e4-b88b-0019bb2963f4.html |access-date=December 6, 2019 |work=Bradford Era}} He became the first Division I basketball player from PIAA District 9 since 1990 and the first Division I athlete of any kind from Cameron County since the 1970s.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/943633/2019/04/25/nate-sestina-kentuckys-newest-big-man-is-the-proudest-export-of-a-forgotten-pennsylvania-hamlet/|title=Nate Sestina, Kentucky's newest big man, is the proudest export of a forgotten Pennsylvania hamlet|first=Kyle|last=Tucker|website=The Athletic|date=April 25, 2019|access-date=December 6, 2019}}

Sestina suffered a season-ending shoulder injury four games into his freshman year and used a medical redshirt.{{cite web|url=http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/cameron-s-sestina-back-in-action-at-bucknell/article_8e9a4ff6-c998-11e6-a0a5-f743cf01f4b7.html|title=Cameron's Sestina back in action at Bucknell|work=Olean Times Herald|date=December 24, 2016|access-date=December 5, 2019}} He averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game over 31 games as a reserve player during his sophomore year. As a junior, Sestina averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds and 14.9 minutes played per game.{{cite web |last=Hines |first=Travis |date=April 14, 2019 |title=Bucknell's Nate Sestina becomes Kentucky's latest grad-transfer addition |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/bucknell-nate-sestina-becomes-kentucky-165921316.html |access-date=December 5, 2019 |website=Yahoo Sports}} He became a starter going into his senior year and enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 15.8 points (6th in the Patriot League) and 8.5 rebounds per game (2nd in conference) and was named to the second team All-Patriot League.{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Chris |date=September 24, 2019 |title=Look: Nate Sestina undergoes remarkable physical transformation |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Kentucky-basketball-Nate-Sestina-before-and-after-136085326 |access-date=December 5, 2019 |website=247Sports.com}}{{cite web |last=Boone |first=Kyle |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Kentucky lands graduate transfer Nate Sestina from Bucknell, who averaged double-digits in scoring last season |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/kentucky-lands-graduate-transfer-nate-sestina-from-bucknell-who-averaged-double-digits-in-scoring-last-season |access-date=December 5, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}} Following the end of the season, Sestina entered the transfer portal for his final season of eligibility as a graduate transfer. He was ranked the third-best player in the transfer portal by ESPN.{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Chris |date=April 16, 2019 |title=Kentucky commit Nate Sestina ranked among ESPN's top transfers |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Kentucky-basketball-Bucknell-grad-transfer-Nate-Sestina-ranked-among-top-transfers-131258568 |access-date=December 6, 2019 |website=247Sports.com}} Sestina committed to transfer to the University of Kentucky.{{cite magazine |last=Geary |first=Molly |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Kentucky Restocks for 2019–20 by Landing Grad Transfer Nate Sestina |url=https://www.si.com/college/2019/04/04/kentucky-nate-sestina-transfer-john-calipari |access-date=December 6, 2019 |magazine=SI.com}}

File:Nate Sestina Jalyn McCreary.jpg

In his first game with the Wildcats, Sestina scored seven points and grabbed a team-high six rebounds in a 69–62 win over top-ranked Michigan State and hit a key three-point shot in the second half.{{cite web |last=DeCourcy |first=Mike |date=November 6, 2019 |title=Kentucky vs. Michigan State takeaways: Wildcats' additions start strong at 2019 Champions Classic |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/kentucky-vs-michigan-state-takeaways-wildcats-champions-classic-2019/txwr1yx034l91gw37xay789tb |access-date=December 6, 2019 |website=SportingNews.com}} He broke his left wrist six games into the season against Lamar, causing him to miss four weeks and three games.{{cite web |last=Bird |first=Darrell |date=December 21, 2019 |title=Nate Sestina talks wrist injury, role on UK team |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Nate-Sestina-is-back-from-wrist-surgery-and-talking-about-season-going-forward-140958045 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=247Sports.com}} Sestina was averaging 7.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 27.8 minutes of play at the time of the injury.{{cite web |last=Hale |first=Jon |date=November 27, 2019 |title=Kentucky basketball's Nate Sestina to miss extended time with broken wrist |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2019/11/27/kentucky-basketball-nate-sestina-injury/4318285002 |access-date=December 6, 2019 |work=USA Today}} Sestina returned in a game against Utah on December 18 and was scoreless. In the next game versus Ohio State, Sestina scored a season-high 17 points in a 71–65 Kentucky loss.{{cite news |last=Tipton |first=Jerry |date=December 21, 2019 |title=Sestina shines for Kentucky, but it's not enough against Ohio State |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article238601333.html |access-date=December 22, 2019 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader}} He scored his 1,000th career point during a 13-point game against LSU on February 18, 2020.{{cite web |last=Tipton |first=Jerry |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Senior Night sendoff won't be Sestina's first. His last one 'really threw me off.' |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article240798986.html |access-date=March 23, 2020 |work=Lexington Herald-Leader}} Sestina averaged 5.8 and 3.8 rebounds per game in 28 games and was named to the Southeastern Conference Community Service Team.{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Chris |date=March 16, 2020 |title=Nate Sestina wants to return next season, Calipari says |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Kentucky-basketball-Grad-transfer-Nate-Sestina-wants-to-return-next-season-145099427 |access-date=March 23, 2020 |website=247Sports.com}}{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Chris |date=March 5, 2020 |title=Nate Sestina named to SEC Community Service Team |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Nate-Sestina-named-to-SEC-Community-Service-Team-144647114 |access-date=March 23, 2020 |website=247Sports.com}}

On July 30, 2020, Sestina signed his first professional contract with Kyiv-Basket of the Ukrainian SuperLeague.{{cite web |last=Lupo |first=Nicola |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Nate Sestina signing with Kyiv-Basket |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/nate-sestina-signing-with-kyiv-basket |access-date=July 30, 2020 |website=Sportando}} On October 13, he signed with Nizhny Novgorod of the VTB United League.{{cite web |last=Carchia |first=Emiliano |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Nate Sestina inks with Nizhny Novgorod |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/nate-sestina-inks-with-nizhny-novgorod |access-date=October 13, 2020 |website=Sportando}} However, with the season being cancelled, Sestina was released on November 3, before playing an official game for the team.{{cite web |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=November 3, 2020 |title=Nate Sestina leaves Nizhny Novgorod |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/nate-sestina-leaves-nizhny-novgorod |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=Sportando}}

After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Sestina signed an Exhibit 10 contract for with the Brooklyn Nets on December 1, 2020.{{cite web |last=Sapp |first=Demetris |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Brooklyn Nets Announce Training Camp Roster |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2020/12/01/brooklyn-nets-announce-training-camp-roster |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=NBA.com}}{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=Chris |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Report: Nets sign Nate Sestina |url=https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/Kentucky-basketball-Nate-Sestina-free-agent-contract-Brooklyn-Nets-155016160 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=247sports.com}} He was waived by the Nets on December 11.{{cite web |last=Sapp |first=Demetris |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Brooklyn Nets Waive Bowden and Sestina |url=https://www.nba.com/nets/news/2020/12/11/brooklyn-nets-waive-bowden-and-sestina |access-date=December 11, 2020 |website=NBA.com}} He was added to the roster of the Nets' NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.

On March 15, 2021, he signed with Hapoel Holon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League.{{Cite web |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Hapoel Holon announces Nathan Sestina |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/hapoel-holon-announces-nathan-sestina |access-date=March 15, 2021 |publisher=Sportando |language=en}}

On July 8, 2021, he signed with Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli Basket of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketfaul.com/haber?haber=95401|title=Yukatel Merkezefendi'ye Amerikalı uzun|date=July 8, 2021|publisher=Basketfaul|language=tr|access-date=July 8, 2021}}

On June 22, 2022, Sestina signed with Türk Telekom of the Turkish BSL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketfaul.com/haber?haber=101854|title=Nate Sestina Telekom'da|date=June 22, 2022|website=|publisher=basketfaul|language=tr|access-date=June 22, 2022}} On June 21, 2023, he mutually parted ways with the club.

On July 14, 2023, Sestina signed a two-year (1+1) deal with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe.{{Cite web |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Fenerbahce announces a 1+1 deal with Nate Sestina |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/fenerbahce-announces-a-11-deal-with-nate-sestina/ |access-date=June 18, 2024 |publisher=Sportando |language=en}}

On June 18, 2024, he signed with Valencia of the Spanish Liga ACB.{{Cite web |last=Maggi |first=Alessandro |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Nate Sestina signs a two-year deal with Valencia Basket |url=https://sportando.basketball/en/nate-sestina-signs-a-two-year-deal-with-valencia-basket/ |access-date=June 18, 2024 |publisher=Sportando |language=en}}

{{Euroleague player statistics legend}}

{{Euroleague player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2023–24

| style="text-align:left;"| Fenerbahçe

| 35 || 4 || 11.5 || .465 || .385 || .588 || 1.5 || .4 || .3 || .2 || 3.6 || 2.9

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 35 || 4 || 11.5 || .465 || .385 || .588 || 1.5 || .4 || .3 || .2 || 3.6 || 2.9

{{S-end}}

{{Euroleague player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23

| style="text-align:left;"| Türk Telekom

| 22 || 6 || 26.7 || .442 || .372 || .844 || 4.6 || 1.0 || .5 || .3 || 10.4 || 9.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 22 || 6 || 26.7 || .442 || .372 || .844 || 4.6 || 1.0 || .5 || .3 || 10.4 || 9.0

{{S-end}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:100%; text-align:right;"

! Year

! Team

! League

! {{Tooltip|GP|Games played}}

! {{Tooltip|MPG|Minutes per game}}

! {{Tooltip|FG%|Field goal percentage}}

! {{Tooltip|3P%|3-point field-goal percentage}}

! {{Tooltip|FT%|Free-throw percentage}}

! {{Tooltip|RPG|Rebounds per game}}

! {{Tooltip|APG|Assists per game}}

! {{Tooltip|SPG|Steals per game}}

! {{Tooltip|BPG|Blocks per game}}

! {{Tooltip|PPG|Points per game}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA|size=20px}} Long Island Nets || style="text-align:center;"|G League || 15 || 19.8 || .394 || .325 || .667 || 2.7 || .7 || .3 || .3 || 7.7

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Israel|size=20px}} Hapoel Holon || style="text-align:center;"|Ligat HaAl || 14 || 24.3 || .505 || .400 || .810 || 3.6 || .9 || .7 || .3 || 10.4

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Israel|size=20px}} Hapoel Holon || style="text-align:center;"|BIBL || 5 || 27.0 || .491 || .345 || .900 || 5.0 || 1.6 || 1.0 || .8 || 16.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2021–22 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Turkey|size=20px}} M. B. Denizli || style="text-align:center;"|TBSL || 30 || 26.5 || .465 || .455 || .824 || 4.4 || 1.3 || .3 || .4 || 9.9

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Turkey|size=20px}} Türk Telekom || style="text-align:center;"|TBSL || 36 || 23.9 || .496 || .445 || .774 || 3.4 || .8 || .5 || .7 || 10.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2023–24 || style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Turkey|size=20px}} Fenerbahçe || style="text-align:center;"|TBSL || 18 || 23.9 || .468 || .427 || .733 || 5.1 || 1.1 || .7 || .3 || 9.6

{{S-end}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2015–16

| style="text-align:left;"| Bucknell

| 4 || 0 || 8.0 || .545 || .667 || 1.000 || 1.3 || .8 || .5 || .0 || 3.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2016–17

| style="text-align:left;"| Bucknell

| 31 || 1 || 12.0 || .508 || .292 || .696 || 3.7 || .4 || .2 || .5 || 4.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2017–18

| style="text-align:left;"| Bucknell

| 34 || 0 || 14.9 || .560 || .341 || .744 || 3.9 || .9 || .3 || .6 || 6.5

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2018–19

| style="text-align:left;"| Bucknell

| 31 || 31 || 27.8 || .536 || .380 || .808 || 8.5 || 1.2 || .4 || 1.1 || 15.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"| 2019–20

| style="text-align:left;"| Kentucky

| 28 || 7 || 19.8 || .463 || .407 || .750 || 3.8 || .8 || .4 || .6 || 5.8

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career

| 128 || 39 || 18.2 || .525 || .374 || .773 || 4.9 || .8 || .3 || .7 || 8.1

{{S-end}}

Sestina's father, Donald is a former teacher, basketball coach and athletic director for Cameron County High School and his mother, Rachelle, is also a teacher and swam collegiately at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.{{cite web |last=Tucker |first=Kyle |date=October 16, 2019 |title=The Sestina family trekked to Lexington for Kentucky's annual tipoff event, and boy, was it worth it |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1296979/2019/10/16/the-sestina-family-trekked-to-lexington-for-kentuckys-annual-tipoff-event-and-boy-was-it-worth-it/ |access-date=December 6, 2019 |website=The Athletic}} He has four siblings and his two older brothers, Andrew and Jason, both served in the U.S. Marine Corps.{{cite web |last=Ritzman |first=Kurt |date=March 18, 2018 |title=Men's College Basketball: Game plan, haircut site top to-do list for junior |url=https://www.dailyitem.com/sports/men-s-college-basketball-game-plan-haircut-site-top-to/article_039a3e79-f548-5303-b28c-02288e6f0541.html |access-date=December 6, 2019 |work=The Daily Item}}

Sestina is engaged to former Kentucky volleyball player and current Kentucky assistant volleyball coach Madison Lilley.{{cite web |title=Madison Lilley - Assistant Coach |url=https://ukathletics.com/sports/wvball/roster/coach/madison-lilley-2 |publisher=Kentucky Wildcats |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812235458/https://ukathletics.com/sports/wvball/roster/coach/madison-lilley-2 |archive-date=12 August 2023}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons}}

• [https://bucknellbison.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/nate-sestina/4369 Bucknell Bison bio]
• [https://ukathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/nate-sestina/7515 Kentucky Wildcats bio]
• [https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Nate-Sestina/Summary/84641 RealGM profile]

{{Valencia BC current roster}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sestina, Nate}}

Category:1999 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Israel

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Spain

Category:American expatriate basketball people in Turkey

Category:American men's basketball players

Category:Basketball players from Pennsylvania

Category:Bucknell Bison men's basketball players

Category:Centers (basketball)

Category:Fenerbahçe men's basketball players

Category:Hapoel Holon B.C. players

Category:Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball players

Category:Long Island Nets players

Category:Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli Basket players

Category:People from St. Marys, Pennsylvania

Category:People from Emporium, Pennsylvania

Category:Power forwards

Category:Türk Telekom B.K. players

Category:Valencia Basket players