Rotnei Clarke, dad on way to UA
Rotnei Clarke, the superstar shooting guard from Oklahoma, will be moving to Fayetteville May 17 to start summer classes at the UA. That’s really not news, though. Here’s where it gets interesting.
Like many in his position, the Verdigris High School senior and owner of the state’s career scoring record, seems to be victim (or recipient?) of the pressures of what the recruiting game has become.
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Nick Nolte and Shaquille O’Neal in “Blue Chips”
No doubt having college coaches and various media types fawn over every step you take can quickly take its toll. But Clarke’s father has also felt the pressure, according to a report by the Tulsa World’s Bill Haisten.
On May 16, Clarke’s father, Conley Clarke, completes his one-year run as Oral Roberts’ director of basketball operations.
Conley says he also plans to move to the Fayetteville area, although he’s not yet sure what type of job he will seek.
ORU hired Conley Clarke in an obvious attempt to sign Rotnei Clarke. ORU and Oklahoma State were finalists in the Rotnei Clarke derby, but Arkansas prevailed over OSU in a photo finish.
“Recruiting was a tough process for Rotnei. Even at the very end, I thought he would go to Oklahoma State and play with Keiton (Pawnee guard Keiton Page),” Conley Clarke said. “Recruiting was tough for everyone. It was the hardest deal I’ve ever gone through in my life.”
Rotnei Clarke will most likely see a lot of playing time next season. That’s a no-brainer. I mean, have you seen this guy scoring 65 points in one game on YouTube, yet?
2 Responses to “Rotnei Clarke, dad on way to UA”
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i’ve seen this kid on youtube, he seems to have the god given ability to shoot accurately from just about anywhere. he doesn’t even look like he’s set, or has his shoulders square to the basket half the time…he just stops and pops. what a weapon…what a great sign by coach pel.
[…] press believe Clarke’s dad, who’s now leaving a job at Oral Roberts University, was hired at ORU in an attempt to land his […]