Chris Clarke is rising up the rankings and raking in scholarship offers

Chris Clarke lives by a simple mantra: “OTF”. It means “only the family”. For Clarke, a 6’6 forward in the class of 2015 out of Virginia Beach, the acronym has a personal meaning.

“I live by ‘only the family’ because I play the sport not only for me. I play this sport for my family. I know if I succeed and reach my ultimate goal, which is playing in the NBA, I know my family will be proud of me and my accomplishments.”

Clarke did his family proud this summer. Few players in the country enjoyed a more successful run on the grassroots circuit in July than Clarke. Playing with Boo Williams, he started climbing national recruiting rankings and drawing offers from a host of high major programs. He still isn’t ranked by ESPN, but he’s up to the No. 64 player in the country according to Rivals.

It all started with an offer from Virginia Tech. For Clarke, it ended the anxiety that comes with fighting for a high-major scholarship offer and allowed him to focus on basketball.

“It was so exciting and emotional,” Clarke said. “Before I got that offer, I’ve been waiting for months. Yes, I knew I still had work to do. I knew this was the beginning of greatness.”

The main thing Clarke has been working on his jumper and staying low when he plays on both sides of the ball. Clarke credits playing for Boo Williams and described him as a ‘living legend’.

Clarke’s other secret to success? Playing multiple sports. Clarke has played football, soccer and baseball. Clarke talked about how each of the sport has helped him with his basketball skills.

“Football has helped me with my toughness and enhanced some of my abilities. Soccer has built my endurance. Baseball has helped with hand-eye coordination.”

Clarke’s latest offer is from UConn, a program fresh off a national championship behind head coach Kevin Ollie. When Clarke found out about the offer he was honored and excited.

Clarke is looking to cut his list down, but he’s not ready to do that until the end of the summer. He has some specific things he is looking for an college.

“I am looking for a good education, play style, coaching staff, players there, the ones who are coming and atmosphere.”

Clarke’s EYBL teammate Justin Robinson thinks he will transition to the college game well.

“He gets the job done and has a motor that can not be stopped,” Robinson said. “He can get 20 points and 10 rebounds a game without you knowing. Off the court, he’s real chill.”

Ethan Walker, who helped coach Clarke this summer, also thinks the forward has a bright future ahead of him.

“What makes Chris special is his energy and work ethic,” Walker told SB Nation. “Every rep, every practice, every possession and every game, he brings it. Off the court, he is just a good and humble kid, who has been raised with a hard work ethic installed early by his parents. He understands nothing is guaranteed and has to work for it.”