Colorado State landed transfers from two of its regional rivals on Thursday.
After suiting up against the Rams this past season, Nique Clifford (Colorado) and Javonte Johnson (New Mexico) will both be wearing the Green & Gold for the 2023-24 campaign. The guards joined fellow Colorado native Joel Scott, who also announced his decision to join the Rams earlier this week, after previously dominating the Division II level at Black Hills State University.
Clifford, a 6-foot-6, 191-pound guard from Colorado Springs, was named the 2020 Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 26.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.8 blocks for the Vanguard School. He was recruited heavily by CSU in high school — and received an offer from Wyoming as well — ultimately Clifford signed with CU though.
Over the last three seasons, Clifford played in 82 games and recorded 50 starts for the Buffs. He’s averaged 5.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game over the course of his career. However, when CSU came to Boulder last December, the local hoopster had one of his better games of the season, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
An athletic guard with Pac-12 experience, Clifford gives the Rams more length defensively, which is definitely big. His athleticism on the offensive end will be significant as well — Clifford can get to the hoop in a hurry — which Ram fans saw firsthand when he threw down a poster jam against CSU last year.
At 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, Johnson also gives the Rams more length on the outside. He comes to Fort Collins with 65 games of starting experience (87 total). And obviously his Mountain West knowledge is an added bonus too. When CSU has to deal with San Diego State’s defensive intensity or experience a hostile crowd at Utah State, it won’t be anything new to the former Cheyenne Mountain High School standout.
The 2021 CHSAA 4A Player of the Year, Johnson averaged 30 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as a senior. According to 247Sports, he was the No. 2 player in the state for his class that cycle.
After spending three years apiece at their previous schools, factoring in the bonus Covid season, both Clifford and Johnson will each have two years of eligibility remaining.
As things currently stand, if Isaiah Stevens decides to return for a fifth year, CSU’s roster is currently full. However, if Stevens elects to officially go pro, then Niko Medved and Co. will have another scholarship to fill before the fall.
