The NBA Draft is fast approaching, and barring the surprises that always occur, it is becoming clearer where each player is headed. One who should not stray too far from the predictions is former Ram Nique Clifford, who is considered one of the top prospects available in the class of 2025.
What Will NBA Teams Find in Nique Clifford?
The College Sports Network (CSN) mock draft projects Clifford as the No. 20 overall pick, which portends a bright future for the 23-year-old guard. His destination would be the Miami Heats, who finished 10th in the NBA’s Eastern Conference last season.
CSN’s scouting report on Clifford highlights his outstanding defensive skills and potential for continued growth:
“Clifford has Heat written all over him, as he’s a mature and tough veteran guard entering the draft after spending five years at the collegiate level. He blossomed in his final season at Colorado State, putting up 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Clifford was a force defensively as well and could fill in as a reserve defender off the bench as he acclimates to the pro game.”
The 6’6″, 200-pounder played five seasons of NCAA basketball, three with the Colorado Buffaloes and the last two with Colorado State University. He played in 154 games, averaging 26.6 minutes per game, although he was an unquestioned starter the last three seasons.
His progression within college basketball was markedly upward, with his final season being the best of his career. In 2024-25, he averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 blocks and 4.4 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 49.6% on two-point shots, 37.7% from the perimeter and 77.7% on free throws.
Of the 346 rebounds he grabbed last season, 293 (84.7%) were on the defensive end, which illustrates his ability in that aspect of the game. He also had 22 blocks and 43 steals during the season.
KEEP READING: Nique Clifford NBA Draft Projections: 5 Potential Landing Spots for the Colorado State Rams Guard
Also noteworthy is his offensive improvement from one season to the next. In 2024-2025, he attempted 226 more shots at the rim, 160 more two-pointers, and 66 more three-pointers than the previous season. As a result, he scored 243 more points for his team (681 to 438).
The final reading is the growing potential that Clifford still has within himself. Whether it’s the Heat or whatever team he ends up with, they will certainly find in him an excellent alternative for the future.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
