CSU Alum Nique Clifford Makes His NBA Regular Season Debut
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
A night full of immense highs and intense lows for one CSU alum.
On Wednesday, October 22nd when the Sacramento Kings took on the Phoenix Suns, the team decided to go in a different direction for their starting five.
Due to player injuries, the Kings had rookie Nique Clifford start in the place of Keegan Murray.
Nique Clifford Becomes One of the First CSU Players to Start an NBA Season Opener
Not only way this Clifford’s first regular season game as a pro, but he made Colorado State University history.
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He is one of the first rookies to come from CSU to be on the starting five for a season opener.
Rookie Performance: Clifford Proves His Strength on the Court
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
While the Kings lost against the Suns, Clifford proved himself a force to be reckon with.
He played 23:41 minutes, scored two points, and eight rebounds, according to reports.
Read More: A CSU Alum Just Cemented Her Place in WNBA History — Here’s How
Clifford Suffers Hamstring Injury During NBA Debut
The rookie’s performance on the court, actually led to a gnarly injury.
In an update from the Sacramento Kings, officials confirmed that the 23-year-old sustained an injury. He ended up getting an MRI on his hamstring following his regular season debut.
It’s been confirmed that Clifford sustained a right hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in a week.
Fourth CSU Player Ever Drafted in the First Round
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After wrapping up his time at the Fort Collins school, the Colorado native was selected 24th overall in the first round of the NBA Draft.
The six foot guard is only the fourth CSU alum to go to a team in the first draft, according to reports.
Read More: Nique Clifford Makes CSU History in NBA Draft
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