NBA Comparison: Doug Christie / Cody Martin

Strengths: Long, athletic wing with two-way versatility and a well-rounded, steadily evolving skill set … Possesses a strong NBA-ready frame at 6’6” with a reported 6’10” wingspan, plus the strength and physical maturity to handle NBA contact … Shows legitimate ability to generate offense for himself with confident pull-up jumpers and decisive one-on-one moves … Laterally quick with the size and mobility to guard 1–3 effectively; consistently makes smart rotations and contests without fouling … Averaged 1.2 steals per game, using anticipation and length to disrupt passing lanes … One of the best rebounding wings in the country — pulled down an impressive 9.6 boards per game, routinely cleaning up possessions and crashing the glass hard … Has grown significantly as a decision-maker and playmaker — posted 4.4 assists per game, thriving as a secondary initiator and pick-and-roll facilitator … Processes the game well and makes the right read more often than not … Finishes efficiently at the rim, whether cutting, running in transition, or navigating traffic … Strong at using his length to convert through contact … Shot an efficient 49.6% from the field and raised his three-point percentage to 37.7% on respectable volume, indicating real growth as a shooter … Comfortable pulling up from mid-range and flashing more shooting confidence off the bounce … Advanced footwork and polished hesitation moves give him scoring tools at multiple levels … Has become a true connector with starter-level traits, contributing in nearly every phase of the game … Tough, composed, and competitive — his motor and mature approach set him apart … At 23, he’s one of the most seasoned and polished seniors in the draft, but still offers upside due to his all-around game and continued offensive growth … Among the top senior prospects in the country with the potential to contribute early in the NBA. … Steadily improved each year, into becoming a highly efficient leading scorer (18.9 ppg) for a NCAA tourney team …

Weaknesses: Still developing as a consistent spot-up shooter — much more comfortable creating off the dribble than shooting off the catch … Needs to improve rhythm and footwork on catch-and-shoot looks to become a reliable floor spacer at the next level … Can play a bit rushed at times; driving into traffic without a clear plan, leading to forced shots or tough angles … Occasionally makes questionable decisions when pressured, resulting in avoidable turnovers … Needs to tighten his handle and improve counters to consistently create separation against elite defenders … Will be 23 during his rookie season — older than most prospects — which could make teams question his long-term ceiling relative to younger underclassmen … Coming from the Mountain West Conference, scouts may question how well his production and efficiency will translate against higher-level athleticism and defensive schemes in the NBA … Will need to prove he can maintain impact against better athletes and decision-makers …

Outlook: Clifford profiles as a polished, NBA-ready wing who can contribute early as a versatile defender and pick-and-roll playmaker. Unlike many wings in his class, his value stems less from catch-and-shoot prowess and more from his ability to operate in ball screens, read defenses, and create offense as a secondary initiator. He’s a strong, fluid athlete with above-average explosiveness off one or two feet, allowing him to finish through contact or make smart drive-and-kick reads. His defensive toughness, rebounding instincts, and all-around maturity should make him a safe bet to stick as a rotation piece. While not a traditional 3-and-D archetype, Clifford’s floor is high, and with continued improvement as a shooter, he could become a valuable two-way contributor. One of the most polished senior prospects in the draft, he’s a strong candidate for early second-round consideration or a guaranteed two-way contract.

Notes: Measured: 6′ 5.00” barefoot, 198.6 lbs, 6′ 8.00” wingspan, 8′ 6.00” standing reach, 30.0 standing vert, 37 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine … Born February 8, 2002 in Colorado Springs, CO … Began his career at Colorado before transferring to Colorado State for the 2023–24 season …

Aran Smith – 4/11/25