Long List for Clinch

2005 prospect Lewis Clinch is as hot as any prospect on the circuit. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound shooting guard from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Ga., can flat out score, and a long trail of schools are after his services. Clinch spoke about his recruitment to Rivals.com during the adidas National Showtime Championship in Atlanta, Ga.

“The schools I am considering are Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Miami, Florida State, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, and Florida,” said Clinch. “As far as I know, all have offered except for Florida State.”

Clinch first made a splash on the national scene at the Tournament of Champions in late May, averaging 24 points per game for the Georgia Hawks and finishing the No. 10 scorer for the tournament. Coaches have been seriously tracking him since the evaluation period began, and Clinch is still sorting through the recent attention.

“I’m going to start taking visits in August,” said Clinch, who was somehow overlooked by the shoe company camps. “I do not know who I am going to visit. I want to see who will stick with me. It is really an honor to be recruited by all these great programs.”

When it comes to choosing a school, academics and early playing time will be important factors for Clinch.

“I want to go to a place with strong academics,” said Clinch, who has a 3.3 GPA. “My mom is researching that for me. I want to play early , so I can learn quicker and be a complete player sooner.”

Clinch specializes in scoring the ball from the shooting guard position. He is shooter who also has the ability to create his own shot and make difficult finishes. Capable of moving over to the point, Clinch would like to bring all the aspects of his game up to the level of his fantastic shooting ability.

“I can shoot it really well,” he said. “I am working on my shot fake and either getting to the basket or pulling up in the lane.

“I think I can play one or two because I am unselfish and can drive and dish.”