By ETHAN FULLER
ROXBURY, Mass. —After committing to Kentucky on Saturday, Terrence Clarke cited Kentucky head coach John Calipari and incoming guard B.J. Boston as key factors in his decision, noting that Coach Cal “kept it real” throughout the entire process.
“He was always telling me from day one, ‘Listen, if you come to Kentucky you’re going to have to work,’ and that’s one of the things I need,” the 6-foot-7 Clarke said. “I need a coach that’s going to push me and make me a better player and
Clarke added that he understands he needs to bulk up for next season. One of the biggest knocks on the 17-year-old’s game has been his lack of strength. Per 24/7 Sports, Clarke weighs just 185 pounds — a slender frame for a long shooting guard.
But most importantly, Calipari’s main message was to “stay focused” as Clarke works through his senior year.
Boston also influenced Clarke’s final decision. A 6-6 wing from Sierra Canyon, Boston is ranked ninth on ESPN’s 2020 recruiting rankings.
Kentucky currently has the #1 Ranked Recruiting Class for 2020. pic.twitter.com/NLEQu91haO
— TIPTON EDITS ? (@TiptonEdits) September 14, 2019
The Brewster Academy (N.H.) guard called Boston his “best friend” and said he was a key recruiter.
“He’s been talking to me, texting me… I love him,” Clarke said. “Next year we’re just going to go at it with everybody else.”
Clarke and Boston are both projected lottery picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, according to one site.
According to Clarke, impressive player development was a strong part of his appraisal of each program. Memphis was a contender because of the recent rise in their reputation for developing talent through head coach Penny Hardaway and assistant Mike Miller.
“Everybody had a chance, but if I had to say (one second-place school), it’s probably Memphis because of the relationship I have with Penny and Mike,” Clarke said.
Hometown pride shone through at Clarke’s commitment ceremony. Vine Street Community Center means a lot to the newest Wildcat, and he hopes to be a role model for young kids in the community.
“I tell them all, ‘Just keep on going,’” Clarke said. “You gotta just keep on working. It doesn’t matter what happens… if you fall down, you’re going to get back up.”
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