Mountain West Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)
By Joey Loose
10. Gian Clavell
A 6’4 wing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Clavell developed into a significant backcourt threat during his collegiate career. He actually started off at the junior college level, playing a pair of seasons at Northwest Kansas before landing at Colorado State back in 2014. Clavell would actually have three years with the Rams as he’d miss nearly all of his senior season due to injury.
Though not a starter, Clavell was a decent contributor during his junior season, his first at Colorado State, averaging 9.2 points per game during a 27-win year for the Rams. Though that next season was cut short after 10 games, he showed signs of major improvement and that would come to fruition the following year. As a redshirt senior, Clavell averaged 20.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, hitting 38% of his 3-pointers while leading the Rams to a 2nd-place finish in the MWC. He had a career-high 37 points in a road win at San Diego State and led the Rams to the NIT to end his career.
Everything came together for Clavell in that final season. He was named MWC Player of the Year and to the league’s All-Defense team. Clavell led the MWC in points per game and 3-point shooting, finished 2nd in steals, and had decent offensive metrics across the board. He didn’t get his chance in the NCAA Tournament but Colorado State was clearly a great program in those two years where he was fully healthy.