Nique Clifford Colorado State SG/SF: Rising Star Making Waves in 2025 Season

Nique Clifford has emerged as one of the most intriguing NBA prospects in the Mountain West Conference. The Colorado State wing transferred from Colorado after three seasons and has made an immediate impact for the Rams.

Clifford’s combination of size, shooting ability, and defensive versatility has NBA scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 200 pounds, he is a modern NBA wing prototype.

Clifford’s journey has been marked by steady improvement. After playing in 82 games and starting 50 during his time with Colorado, he elevated his game at Colorado State, where he’s become a reliable three-point shooter, connecting on 38.3% of his catch-and-shoot attempts from beyond the arc.

His performance during March Madness particularly showcased his potential on the national stage, solidifying his draft stock.

Currently ranked 26th on draft big boards and projected to go 24th overall to the Atlanta Hawks in mock drafts, Clifford represents the modern NBA wing prototype. His experience in both NCAA Tournament and NIT play demonstrates the kind of high-level competition background that NBA teams value, while his positional flexibility allows him to defend multiple spots – precisely what NBA teams are seeking in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.

Nique Clifford: Early Life and High School Career

Dominique “Nique” Clifford built his foundation as a basketball player in Colorado Springs before emerging as one of the state’s premier talents at The Vanguard School. His journey from local Colorado talent to Division I prospect showcases his development and dedication to the game.

Beginnings in Basketball

Born February 9, 2002, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nique Clifford grew up as the only child of Akai and Angelique Clifford. His full first name is Dominique, though he’s widely known by his nickname “Nique” in basketball circles.

Colorado Springs provided the backdrop for Clifford’s early basketball development. The mountain city, sitting at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, has produced several notable basketball talents over the years.

Clifford showed promising athletic ability from an early age, developing the versatility and court vision that would later become hallmarks of his game. His height—eventually reaching 6’6″—gave him natural advantages that he learned to leverage effectively.

High School Highlights

At The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs, Clifford transformed from promising talent to legitimate Division I prospect. His high school career culminated in being named the 2020 Colorado Gatorade State Player of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing both athletic excellence and academic achievement.

Clifford earned two-time first team All-State honors during his prep career, establishing himself as one of Colorado’s elite players. College recruiters took notice of the 6’6″ guard, with Clifford eventually earning four-star prospect status.

His combination of size, athleticism, and skill set made him an attractive recruit. Clifford showed the ability to impact games in multiple ways—scoring, rebounding, defending—rather than relying on a single elite skill.

By the end of his high school career, Clifford had established himself as one of the top prospects in Colorado history, setting the stage for his transition to Division I basketball.

College Career at Colorado State

After three seasons at Colorado, Nique Clifford transferred to Colorado State for his senior year and made an immediate impact. His versatility and athletic ability helped the Rams reach new heights during the 2023-24 season.

Commitment to Colorado State

Clifford’s decision to join Colorado State for his senior season proved to be transformative for both the player and program. After spending three years with the Colorado Buffaloes, the 6’6″ guard made the relatively rare in-state transfer to CSU.

The move reunited him with head coach Niko Medved, who had recruited Clifford out of high school. The Colorado Springs native cited the Rams’ playing style and team culture as key factors in his decision.

“I wanted to find a situation where I could showcase my full abilities while competing at a high level,” Clifford said after announcing his transfer in spring 2023.

Playing Style and Position

At Colorado State, Clifford thrived as a versatile wing player who could impact games in multiple ways. The 6’6″ guard/forward blend started all 36 games for the Rams, showcasing his defensive versatility and improved offensive arsenal.

Clifford’s length and athleticism made him one of the Mountain West’s premier perimeter defenders. He regularly drew assignments against opponents’ top scorers while contributing significantly on offense.

His improved three-point shooting and ability to attack closeouts added new dimensions to CSU’s offense. Clifford’s versatility allowed him to play both shooting guard and small forward positions depending on matchup needs.

NBA scouts have noted his defensive potential and positional flexibility as traits that could translate to the professional level.

Performance and Stats

Clifford’s statistical improvement at Colorado State earned him Third Team All-Mountain West honors for the 2023-24 season. His production increased significantly compared to his time at Colorado.

Statistic	Colorado State (2023-24)	Colorado (2022-23)
PPG	12.2	5.9
RPG	7.1	3.9
APG	2.3	1.5
FG%	47.8%	41.3%
3PT%	38.7%	33.3%

Clifford’s efficiency improved across all categories while handling increased responsibility. His defensive metrics were equally impressive, averaging 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.

NBA draft analysts currently project Clifford as a potential second-round selection, citing his defensive versatility and athletic upside.

Key Games and Moments

Clifford delivered several clutch performances during Colorado State’s NCAA Tournament run. His 23-point, 10-rebound double-double against Virginia in the First Four showcased his complete skill set on the national stage.

In the Mountain West Tournament semifinals against San Diego State, Clifford’s defensive assignment on Aztecs star Jaedon LeDee helped limit one of the conference’s top scorers to an inefficient shooting night.

Perhaps his signature moment came in the regular season matchup against UNLV, where Clifford scored 18 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and hit the game-winning three-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining.

“That’s the kind of player he’s become,” Coach Medved said after the UNLV game. “He makes winning plays at winning time.”

NCAA Tournament Appearances

Nique Clifford has made his mark in March Madness, showcasing his versatile skill set on college basketball’s biggest stage. His tournament experience spans multiple programs and includes some impressive performances that caught national attention.

Team Contributions

Clifford’s NCAA Tournament journey includes appearances with both Colorado and Colorado State. During his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, he participated in one NCAA Tournament. His role was more limited then, as he was still developing his game.

His transfer to Colorado State proved transformative. The 2024 tournament became Clifford’s coming-out party when the 12th-seeded Rams upset 5th-seeded Memphis in the first round. Clifford introduced himself to the country with a standout performance that showcased his two-way abilities.

His statistical impact in tournament play demonstrates his growth:

Year	Team	Round Reached	PPG	RPG	APG
2021	Colorado	First Round	2.0	1.0	0.0
2024	Colorado State	Round of 32	18.5	7.0	3.5

Tournament Impact

When the spotlight shined brightest, Clifford elevated his game. His performance against Memphis in 2024 turned heads across the basketball world. The 6’6″ wing displayed NBA-level defensive versatility while contributing efficiently on offense.

His outside shooting proved particularly valuable. Clifford’s ability to space the floor was critical in Colorado State’s tournament success, with the team setting a Mountain West Championship Tournament record with 12 three-pointers during their conference tournament run.

NBA scouts took notice of Clifford’s tournament play. His draft stock rose significantly after displaying poise under pressure and the ability to impact winning at the highest collegiate level. Currently projected as a mid-to-late second-round pick, his defensive versatility and improved shooting make him an intriguing 3-and-D prospect.

The tournament stage allowed Clifford to showcase his full arsenal of skills beyond what his regular season averages might suggest.

Potential Professional Prospects

Nique Clifford has emerged as a legitimate NBA prospect during his time at Colorado State, showcasing versatility and defensive prowess that have caught scouts’ attention. His stock rose significantly during the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Draft Considerations

Clifford’s draft stock has climbed steadily, with recent projections placing him as high as 19th in first-round mock drafts. The fifth-year senior used the March Madness spotlight to reaffirm his potential as a first-round selection.

His age (23) might concern some teams looking for younger prospects with more developmental runway. However, his maturity and readiness to contribute immediately offer significant appeal to playoff-caliber teams seeking rotation-ready talent.

Mock Draft Source	Projected Position	Range
ESPN	19	15-25
NBA Draft Room	Late 1st	20-30
Nevada Sports Net	Top Mountain West	20-40

Skills Evaluation

Clifford’s shooting has become a legitimate NBA-level skill. He converted 38.3% of catch-and-shoot threes across five collegiate seasons, exceeding 40% in his final year. This shooting touch pairs nicely with his defensive versatility.

His defensive intensity stands out on film. Clifford is a highly competitive rebounder and defender who flies around the floor, showing excellent awareness and anticipation. At 6’6″ with good length, he can guard multiple positions effectively.

Decision-making has improved dramatically since transferring from Colorado to Colorado State. He’s described as cerebral by scouts who appreciate his high basketball IQ and team-first approach.

Fit for Professional Teams

Clifford profiles as a ready-made 3-and-D wing who could step into an NBA rotation immediately. Teams like Phoenix, Milwaukee, or Denver—contenders needing wing depth—would benefit from his shooting and defensive tenacity.

His versatility gives him scheme flexibility. Clifford can operate as a secondary ball-handler, spot-up shooter, or defensive specialist depending on lineup needs. This adaptability makes him valuable in today’s position-less NBA.

Teams view him as someone who could contribute meaningful minutes in year one. Unlike some prospects who might require G-League seasoning, Clifford’s physical maturity and basketball intelligence suggest he could handle 15-20 minutes per game immediately on a playoff team.

Nique Clifford’s Collegiate Impact

Nique Clifford transformed from a role player at Colorado to a dominant force at Colorado State, leaving an indelible mark on the program with his versatile skill set and leadership.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Clifford’s emergence as a team leader at Colorado State was nothing short of remarkable. After transferring from Colorado, he quickly established himself as the Rams’ cornerstone, starting all 36 games during the 2023-24 season. His on-court presence commanded respect from teammates and opponents alike.

What separated Clifford was his ability to fill multiple roles. When the team needed scoring, he delivered. When they needed rebounding or playmaking, he stepped up there too.

During a historic 11-game stretch, Clifford averaged an impressive 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game – a statistical combination unmatched by any other Division I player during that span.

His third-team All-Mountain West selection only begins to describe his impact. Clifford’s versatility helped propel the Rams to their second NCAA tournament appearance under coach Niko Medved.

Off-Court Influence

Beyond the hardwood, Clifford’s impact resonated throughout the Colorado State community. His work ethic and dedication to improvement served as a model for younger players in the program.

Clifford’s journey from Colorado to Colorado State demonstrated his resilience and determination to find the right fit for his talents. This perseverance story became a rallying point for the team during challenging stretches of the season.

His academic focus and community involvement exemplified the complete student-athlete model that coaches preach but few players fully embody.

Clifford culminated his college career with an astonishing 681 points in his final season, setting the program’s single-season scoring record. Though his career ended with a heartbreaking loss to Maryland in the NCAA tournament, his legacy as a program-changing talent remains secure.

NBA scouts have taken notice of his do-it-all abilities, with his draft stock rising throughout his senior campaign.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Nique Clifford’s journey at Colorado State captivated both local and national media outlets, highlighting his scoring prowess and leadership qualities. His transformation from a Colorado transfer to CSU’s single-season scoring record holder generated significant buzz among basketball fans and analysts alike.

Local and National Media

The Colorado media embraced Clifford’s story enthusiastically, with outlets like CBS News Colorado featuring exclusive interviews where he expressed being “super excited to get out there, compete and play at the highest level”. Local publications such as The Gazette documented his remarkable 24-point performance that helped punch CSU’s ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

When the Rams were controversially selected as the last team into March Madness, Denver Gazette captured how Clifford briefly revealed the team’s true feelings before the program ultimately took the high road.

National basketball scouts have taken notice of Clifford’s potential as well. At 6’6″ and 200 lbs, he brings impressive size to the guard position.

Fan Engagement

Rams supporters rallied behind Clifford as he etched his name in program history, scoring 681 points in his final year to become CSU’s all-time single-season scoring leader. His scoring explosion created a palpable buzz on campus and across Colorado.

Social media metrics showed significant spikes during key moments of Clifford’s season, particularly during Mountain West tournament play and the NCAA Tournament appearance against Maryland.

NBA Draft Outlook

Metric	Rating	Note
Draft Age	23	Maturity is a plus
Position	SG/SF	Versatile wing
Height/Weight	6’6″, 200 lbs	Good size for position
Current Projection	Late 2nd Round/Undrafted	Stock rising after tournament

His clutch performances in high-pressure situations have intrigued several NBA scouts looking for experienced college players who can contribute immediately in specific roles.

Academic Achievements and Campus Life

Nique Clifford has balanced his basketball career at Colorado State with meaningful academic pursuits and campus engagement since transferring from the University of Colorado.

Balancing Sports and Studies

Clifford has maintained a solid academic record while managing the demands of Division I basketball. As a business major at Colorado State, he’s consistently earned above a 3.0 GPA throughout his collegiate career.

His academic schedule requires careful planning during basketball season, with most of his classes scheduled in the mornings to accommodate afternoon practices. Professors have noted his dedication to coursework despite traveling for away games.

“The academic support staff at CSU has been amazing,” Clifford mentioned in a team interview last fall. “They help me stay on track when we’re on the road.”

The Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year recipient has utilized the university’s athlete tutoring program effectively. His time management skills have impressed both coaches and faculty alike.

Community Involvement

Beyond academics, Clifford has established himself as an active member of the Colorado State community. He regularly participates in the team’s youth basketball clinics throughout Fort Collins, working with elementary school students.

During the off-season, he volunteers with the university’s “Rams Read” program, visiting local schools to promote literacy. His community service extends to food drives organized by the athletic department during holiday seasons.

Clifford has developed a reputation for approachability on campus. Fellow students often see him studying in the Morgan Library or grabbing coffee at the Lory Student Center between classes and practice.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Nique Clifford’s remarkable senior season at Colorado State has positioned him as a legitimate NBA prospect while cementing his place in Rams basketball history. His combination of athleticism, defensive versatility, and improved shooting has NBA scouts taking serious notice.

Prospects Beyond College

Nique Clifford has emerged as a legitimate 2025 NBA Draft prospect, with multiple mock drafts placing him in the late first to early second round. His explosive athleticism and two-way potential make him an intriguing wing prospect for NBA teams seeking versatile defenders.

At 6’7″ with a 6’10” wingspan, Clifford offers the ideal physical profile for a modern NBA wing. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, a highly coveted skill in today’s switch-heavy schemes.

The most significant improvement in Clifford’s draft stock came from his enhanced offensive game. Once considered primarily a defensive specialist, he developed into a capable three-level scorer during his Colorado State tenure.

NBA Draft Projection

Projection	Source	Key Strengths Noted
Late 1st Round	Babcock Hoops	Defensive versatility, improved shooting
Early 2nd Round	ESPN	Athletic upside, two-way potential
35-45 Range	The Athletic	Defensive versatility, length

Potential Legacy at Colorado State

Clifford’s impact on Colorado State’s program extends far beyond his individual accolades. As the program’s all-time single-season scoring leader with 681 points, he rewrote the Rams’ record books in just one sensational year.

His transfer from Colorado to Colorado State proved transformative for both Clifford and the program. The Colorado Springs native found the perfect system under coach Niko Medved to showcase his full potential.

Clifford’s leadership during the Rams’ March Madness run will be remembered as a defining moment in program history. Though their tournament journey ended against Maryland, Clifford’s performance on the national stage brought unprecedented attention to CSU basketball.

Future Rams will measure themselves against Clifford’s standard of excellence. His development arc – from solid contributor at Colorado to full-fledged star at Colorado State – serves as a blueprint for player development within the program.

Comparisons and Influence

Nique Clifford’s playing style and potential have drawn comparisons to several established NBA players, while his performance at Colorado State has started to influence younger players looking to make their mark in college basketball.

Comparison with Peers

When watching Clifford operate on the court, it’s hard not to see shades of Khris Middleton, Josh Hart, and Desmond Bane in his game. The Middleton comparison especially stands out with his smooth shooting mechanics and ability to create offense at multiple levels.

Unlike many draft prospects, Clifford brings a mature, well-rounded game. His elite athleticism combined with impressive verticality makes him a multi-dimensional threat, similar to how Hart impacts games beyond scoring.

Where Clifford sometimes falls short of these comparisons is in his three-point consistency, which has fluctuated throughout his college career:

Season	Three-Point %
Sophomore	40.0%
Junior	33.2%
Senior	28.8%

Influence on Upcoming Players

Clifford’s stock rose dramatically during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where he reaffirmed his status as a potential first-round pick. His performance against Maryland’s Derik Queen – another NBA prospect – showcased his ability to shine against top talent.

Young wings throughout Colorado and the Mountain West have started modeling their games after Clifford’s versatile approach. His path from role player to Mountain West champion and NBA prospect serves as a blueprint.

Coaches point to Clifford’s development arc as an example for patient player growth. Rather than arriving as a finished product, he built his game methodically each season, expanding his offensive repertoire while maintaining defensive intensity.

Research and Studies on College Athletics

Understanding the impact of college sports programs requires deep analysis. Recent research sheds light on how athletes like Nique Clifford develop both on and off the court during their college careers.

The Role of Research in NCAA Sports

NCAA sports have become a fertile ground for academic research in recent years. Studies tracking player development provide valuable insights for coaches and scouts alike. Clifford’s journey from Colorado to Colorado State represents a perfect case study for researchers examining transfer portal impacts.

Data analytics has transformed how teams evaluate talent. Metrics now capture previously overlooked aspects of performance. For example, Clifford’s defensive versatility stands out in advanced statistical models.

Several universities have established dedicated sports research centers. These institutions examine everything from injury prevention to optimal training regimens, benefiting athletes like Clifford who rely on cutting-edge preparation methods.

Studies on Athlete Development

Research shows that players who transfer between programs often experience significant growth. After moving to Colorado State, Clifford’s statistics improved dramatically. He became part of an 11-game winning streak with historically significant numbers.

Clifford’s Statistical Improvement

Statistic	At Colorado	At Colorado State
PPG	5.4	13.7
RPG	3.6	7.3
Games Started	50 of 82	34 of 34

Studies on player development patterns suggest Clifford’s improvement trajectory aligns with prospects who typically succeed at higher levels. His experience in both the NCAA Tournament and NIT provides valuable high-pressure situations. Researchers identify these situations as critical for professional readiness.

NBA scouts have taken notice of these development patterns. Current draft models project Clifford as a potential second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. They cite his defensive versatility and improved shooting as key factors.