How Virginia-Bound Guard Kihei Clark Earned High-Major Looks
Kihei Clark stepped onto the biggest stage of the summer as one of the smallest players and with perhaps even lighter expectations. Yet, that didn’t stop the 5-foot-9 guard from playing like a superstar in a Nike Peach Jam filled with next-level talent.
After struggling at times during the Nike EYBL regular season, especially with shooting the basketball, and following his commitment to UC-Davis in late May, Clark elevated his game to a crazy high level at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, SC, to help the Oakland Soldiers (CA) earn the Peach Jam crown in July.
Most importantly, Clark, a 2018 prospect who boasts a high basketball IQ, rose to the occasion when it mattered most: elimination games.
Clark scored 16 points in the quarterfinals against E1T1 (FL), poured in 14 more in the semifinals against Boo Williams (VA), and dropped a team-high 18 points in the championship against Team Takeover (DC).
For the eight-game run, Clark averaged 10.3 points on 44 percent shooting from 3-point range while adding 2.5 assists.
The result? A slew of high-major interest, a decommitment from UC-Davis, and now a pledge to Virginia.
I'm excited to announce I have verbally committed to the University of Virginia! I'm fired up to be a Hoo! #Wahoowa pic.twitter.com/JsOUkgmPi0
— Kihei Clark (@ClarkKihei) October 3, 2017
It’s crazy how one tournament can change the future outlook for a prospect, but Clark deserves the praise and his stellar play helped take his talents to the high-major level where he belongs.