We got our first commit for 2018! Kihei Clark, a 3-star point guard from Woodland Hills, CA. His other offer was Xavier, which is a pretty solid program.
Strengths:
Clark is quick on quick point guard with high basketball IQ. He has exceptional quickness, speed, and his ability to get to where he needs to go is exceptional. He advances the ball well in the open court and his vision is high-level. In addition, he has the ability to break down defenders off the dribble (excellent burst and crossover) and drop off a number of high-level passes. He can change speeds with the dribble and is very good at the stop-and-go move to burn defenders. In terms of his passing he has explosive wrists where he can snap passes from anywhere in the half court. Defensively, he has active hands and he slides his feet well.
Weaknesses:
Clark doesn't have ideal size for the point guard position at the next level. He needs to continue to improve his strength while attacking and improve his ability to finish plays in the paint area over length. In addition he can knock down the jump shot, especially in the mid-range area, but overall the consistency and range of his jump shot needs to improve.
Bottom Line:
Clark is undersized, but he has some traits that might remind scouts and fans of a young Tyus Edney (former UCLA point guard).
At 5'8 and 145 pounds you've got to be quick to play at the D1 level and he looks to have the ability to leave defenders tripping over themselves. I think Coach Les has landed a diamond in the rough that might really shine with a little polishing up. Who knows...he might grow to 5'9 by the time he dons an Aggie uniform... (Y)
Great set of pics with his family (all wearing UC Davis gear) and with Coach Les on his twitter page:
I love the fact that he choose UCD now, rather than waiting to see what other offers come in the next year. Seems like he really bought into the program and it's direction.
Totally agree. I like that Coach Les and his staff are hitting the recruiting trail hard and fast for the 2018 class. According to verbalcommits we already have 13 offers out there:
5'8", small. A smaller version of Jordan Howard, who we missed out on. He's at Central Arkansas? and has started 3 years, averaged 19 ppg last year and took his 3 point shooting percentage to .443? He stood out.