New Schools Looking at Clinkscales

Shores Christian Academy (FL) point guard Cliff Clinkscales is two different people. On the court he pilots a deadly offense that loves to run and gun. It is a common site to see the New York native light up opponents for 20 plus points and a dozen assists. Off the court, he is somewhat quiet and very patient in his recruitment. The two sides of the unsigned senior are paying off with the regular season wrapping up.

With opportunities to commit early to a number of mid-major schools, the 6-foot-1, 165 pound Clinkscales decided to wait until after his senior year to make a decision on his collegiate future. That move, he believes, has paid off.

“When you sign early, you sometimes miss on opportunities that weren’t there before. Things open up because a school can’t land their player that they feel like they could get,” Clinkscales said. “I feel pretty good that I waited.”

And he should. Several new schools have entered into the picture. One of the bigger names is Louisville. There are a number reasons why the Cardinals are appealing, he says.

“They’ll be in the Big East next year and I have a lot friends and players that I respect in that conference,” Clinkscales said. “I want to go to a place where I can compete against great point guards.”

He also alluded to the fact that the Louisville coaching staff is looking at other options if Sebastian Telfair decides to declare for the NBA draft.

“I guess they are biting their nails about that. So it makes sense that they are looking at other players,” he said.

Another new face is Maryland. Clinkscales is a toned down version of current Terp point guard John Gilchrist. Both handle the ball exceptionally well and know how and when to find their teammates in the offense.

“They were supposed to come down here (for a game) last weekend but they didn’t make it. But I know that they are talking to my coach about me,” he said.

Clemson, Massachusetts and St. Bonaventure have all traveled down to Ocala, Florida to see Clinkscales in action. Shores Christian Academy (23-4) displays a high-octane offense thanks to the play of the Queens, New York native. They are coming off wins where they have scored 107 and 99 points, respectively. Clinkscales scored 41 points and handed out 15 assists in the first game and had 40 points and 11 assists in the second.

On the season, Clinkscales is averaging 25 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and three steals a game. He says Florida State, Fordham and South Florida remain in the picture. Clinkscales has taken two unofficial trips to Tallahassee this season to visit the Seminoles. He will take the SAT next month.

“I’m going to take all of my visits once the season is over and sign in the spring,” Clinkscales said. “There are no leaders right now, I’m just holding on.”