Nique Clifford could be the latest ‘super senior’ to take the NBA by storm after a successful NCAA career.
In the modern era, most of the first picks in the NBA Draft played only a season in college or in a foreign league before declaring for the draft. Recent exceptions include Derrick White, Dalton Knecht, Cam Johnson, and Jalen Brunson.
With five college seasons under his belt, Nique Clifford could be the next ‘super senior’ to take on the NBA. He played three seasons at the University of Colorado before transferring to mid-major Colorado State for his final two seasons, but he led the Rams to their first NCAA tournament win since 2013 this season and their highest national ranking (13) the season prior.
While Clifford doesn’t have the sky-high potential of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, or VJ Edgecombe, among others, he brings a winning track record to whatever team drafts him.
Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty ImagesNique Clifford key factsAge/Date of Birth: 23 (February 9, 2002)Nationality: AmericanHeight/weight: 6-foot-6, 200lbsCollege: Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State RamsFifth-year stats: 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 49.6 FG%, 37.7 3PT%NCAA Tournament stats (2025): 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 33.3 FG%, 0.0 3PT%Fifth-season highs: 36 points (vs. Boise State), 17 rebounds (vs. Loyola Marymount), 9 assists (vs. Utah State)NBA comparison: Josh Hart
Nique Clifford’s strengths
Look at his stats. He can score, rebound, pass, and defend. Granted, he had his best seasons in the Mountain West Conference, which doesn’t exactly feature blue bloods or powerhouses, but he is perhaps the most well-rounded player in the draft, although some youngsters certainly have a higher ceiling.
Clifford can knock down shots from all over the court, be a secondary defender, rebound remarkably well for an undersized player, and he can get above the rim with the best of them.
In traffic, he can rise above defenders, and he can hit open shots from all over the floor, either off the dribble or as a catch-and-shoot threat.
While he likely won’t be the best defender on the team, he should be the most versatile. He has the speed and wingspan to get in the way of guards, and he has the strength to hold his own in the post. He is a do-all player and would be a top pick if he were four or five years younger and played for a bigger program.
Cooper Flagg is touted for an elite work ethic, and all reports suggest that Clifford puts that to shame. He knows he belongs in the NBA, but he has no issue proving it.
Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty ImagesNique Clifford’s weaknesses
Clifford’s biggest in-conference competition was Boise State and Utah State, and neither of those teams are projected to have NBA talents. Granted, in the NCAA tournament, he made big play after big play, almost getting his Rams to their second Sweet Sixteen since Michael Jordan was in the league, although his inability to make a single shot from deep made those big plays necessary.
In addition to his lack of NBA competition, he will also turn 24 in the upcoming season. His ceiling is rapidly approaching, if he hasn’t met it yet.
It’s hard to imagine him ever being a star, but it’s also hard to imagine him not being an impact role player. In the middle or end of the first round, that’s really all you can look for.
Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty ImagesNique Clifford’s best NBA fits
Welcome to the Eastern Conference! He has Tom Thibodeau written all over him, making the New York Knicks a clear fit. On the defensive end, he looks like he belongs in the Motor City with the Detroit Pistons, who would depend on his shooting.
As an older, perhaps overlooked player, he also looks like an ideal Miami Heat product, and if they want to add players ready to take the leap, it doesn’t get much more NBA-ready than a 23 year old man.
Of course, teams like the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks would all benefit from a player of his caliber. If his game translates to the Association, any team would benefit from adding him.