Texas Tech Basketball: In-depth look at transfer forward Chris Clarke

Texas Tech Basketball’s Chris Clarke didn’t play at all last season. It shouldn’t be forgotten, however, that he is one of the more unique players in the sport.

After three solid seasons with Virginia Tech, 6-6 forward Chris Clarke was suspended indefinitely all of last season for reasons that were never fully disclosed. Unsurprisingly, Clarke opted for a graduate transfer, choosing Chris Beard and Texas Tech Basketball.

(Credit to KenPom and sports-reference for statistics)

His absence from last season has contributed to the transfer being slightly under the radar, but Clarke didn’t receive a ton of attention even when he was playing. Before the Hokies earned a 4-seed in 2018-19, the program hadn’t been receiving much coverage nationally. Despite these factors, one shouldn’t undervalue how much Clarke could potentially bring to the Red Raiders team.

As I’ve touched on previously, Beard has had plenty of success with transfers, and Clarke’s defensive versatility should make the fit even better. The last two seasons, Texas Tech finished 4th and 1st respectively in defensive efficiency per KenPom.

The Virginia Beach native’s stats don’t jump off the page on first glance: 8.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a 57.4% field goal percentage in his most recent season (2017-18). If one crunches the numbers, however, these statistics reflect the value of Clarke’s all-around game.

How many college players since 1992-93 have put up the stat line Clarke did in 2017-18?: >= 8.2 points per game, >=6.3 rebounds per game, >=3.0 assists per game, AND >= 57.4% field goal percentage.

Per sports-reference, the answer is only 23 (.85 per season). Clarke met the criteria the season prior as well, making him the only player to do it twice. This list includes quite the hodgepodge of players (notice Tim Duncan?), but the statistical combination is impressive nevertheless.

Clarke’s 6.2 rebounding average reflects the fact he can be a tenacious rebounder, and the 57.4% field goal percentage demonstrates his ability to finish around the basket. His 3.0 assists average correctly suggests that the forward has some playmaking abilities.

Part of what makes Clarke such a versatile defender is that he moves very well in his 6-6 205 pound frame. This comes in handy on the offensive end when his team pushes the pace, as Clarke can beat defenders down the floor for easy buckets.

Despite attempting only one three-point attempt per game in 2017-18, Clarke actually made 14-33 (42.4%). If he can get more confident stretching the floor, this could provide another weapon to the Red Raiders offense.

Coming off a national championship game appearance and boasting a top 25 projected team, Texas Tech should receive plenty of attention next season. This should allow Clarke’s game to be fully appreciated.