US EditionFormer CSU Ram Nique Clifford Expected to Be a First-Round Draft Pick Wednesday
- Nique Clifford, a 23-year-old native of Colorado Springs and former Colorado State Ram, was chosen by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the opening round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
- Clifford’s development spanned five complete college seasons—three at Colorado followed by two at Colorado State—where he culminated his career by averaging nearly 19 points, close to 10 rebounds, and over 4 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.
- He worked out for 15 NBA teams recently, showing versatility guarding positions 1 through 4 and developing a reliable three-point shot with a 38% success rate at Colorado State.
- Clifford highlighted that being able to consistently hit three-pointers greatly improves floor spacing, which is particularly valuable in the NBA.
- Clifford will join former CU player White in the NBA and become the ninth Colorado boys high school player taken in the first round over the last 35 years, signaling continued local development success.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Colorado Springs Gazette
Denver GazetteColorado native Nique Clifford selected with No. 24 overall pick in NBA draft
Nique Clifford is Colorado through and through. Now, he’ll represent his home state at the highest level.
Nique Clifford Reveals Ties to Hawks Legend as NBA Draft Night Nears
Parents name their kids after greatness because they dream big for them—it’s love, hope, and a little bit of legacy. “With great name comes great responsibility,” right? That Marvel line hits different when your name carries weight. And honestly, that might be exactly what Nique Clifford feels every time he laces up. He’s not alone—Gary Payton II literally carries his father’s Hall of Fame name, and then there’s Jalen Rose. His mother, Jeanne, c…
The Fort Morgan Times
Former CSU Ram Nique Clifford expected to be a first-round draft pick Wednesday
While he sits in the green room Wednesday night in Brooklyn, N.Y., waiting for his name to be called by an NBA team, the question won’t be if former Colorado State star Nique Clifford will be drafted in the first round, but how high will he go. Clifford, whose draft stock skyrocketed during his final season at CSU, has a chance to be the program’s second first-round draft pick in four years and the third since 2007. He is projected to be a mid-t…
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