Luis Clemente Decides

Luis Clemente, a 6-8, 225 pound power/combination forward from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Me., has committed to Texas A&M.

Best described as a finesse four man, Clemente is a native of Puerto Rico. He is at MCI in order to boost his academic credentials in line with NCAA freshman eligibility standards, and plans to do one year at the school according to Head Coach Karl Henrikson.

"He's a step out four player," explained Henrikson, who is entering his third year at MCI this fall as the head man. "He's not a power guy. We are trying to work on him hard in the weight room. He has very very long arms, a great turnaround jump shot and a great inside pivot for a jump shot. He makes good decisions with the ball, and he's rarely out of position at either end of the floor."

Although he is just an average athlete, Clemente's long arms make him a very dangerous factor on the offensive glass.

"When he gets an offensive rebound, he keeps the ball on the tips of his fingers and just pops it right back in," Henrikson said. "He does not gather himself and get stripped. If he gets an offensive rebound, he scores it."

Clemente is only 18-years old, which suggests that a strict weight training regimen and the chance to play against top notch American competition this season will only make him a better prospect.

"He's a typical international post player," Henrikson said. "Because of the shape of that trapezoid, they catch it low, and everything is a face up. They don't try to drop step it or catch it with a foot in the lane and power it in. That's one of the big things we are going to work on with him this year, to acclimate him to that and add that to his repertoire. Right now, he's a perfect guy to step out at the top of the key and reverse the ball."

Henrikson expects Clemente to sign with Texas A&M during the fall signing period. In fact, the Aggie staff is slated to come up to MCI next week (Sept. 25) and see Clemente.

The Insiders Report will have the opportunity to catch Clemente in action later this fall, and will provide you with a detailed scouting report at the time.