Back in Colorado, Still Putting in Work: Nique Clifford Continues to Build His Game

Trainer Tre Oneai speaking to his pro athletes including Nique Clifford and Jay Johnson. Photo by WITM staff

Aurora,Co- For Nique Clifford, the work has always been bigger than basketball. The Colorado native is back in Denver this summer putting in work and continuing to sharpen his game as he enters another chapter of his career. Clifford’s roots run deep in Colorado Springs, where he starred at The Vanguard School and was named the 2020 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year before beginning his college career at Colorado. After transferring to Colorado State, Clifford found another level, developing into one of the Mountain West’s most complete players. During his final season with the Rams, he averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors.

Now, after becoming the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and beginning his professional career with the Sacramento Kings, Clifford is continuing to invest in his development. Being back in Denver gives the Colorado product an opportunity to train close to home while continuing to build on the versatility that helped take him from a Colorado high school standout to a CSU star and eventually an NBA first-round pick. For Clifford, the journey is still about getting better—adding to his game, staying sharp and representing the place that helped shape him along the way.