Former CU Buff Nique Clifford goes in the first round of the NBA Draft

You don’t always get a moment like this in Colorado hoops.

Nique Clifford isn’t just headed to the NBA. He’s carrying a story that runs deep with Buffs fans, for Colorado Springs (my hometown), and for everyone who’s watched this state get passed on in basketball for far too long.

The Sacramento Kings made it official, selecting Clifford with the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. And even though the purple and black will be his next jersey—and that he ended his career as a CSU Ram—this moment belongs to Boulder too.

“Once a Buff” isn’t just a slogan

Clifford’s journey didn’t follow the typical highlight-reel-to-lottery-pick arc. He was never the loudest voice in the room, never the guy chasing headlines. But for three years in Boulder, he was the guy who did the dirty work. The guy who steadily carved out a role in Tad Boyle’s rotation.

Then came the transfer.

CSU fans will claim him now—and they should. He balled out in Fort Collins, averaging nearly 19 points and 10 boards a night, leading the Rams to the NCAA Tournament and putting himself on every NBA scout’s radar. But for us, the black and gold still runs in his blood.

On draft night, Clifford didn’t hide that. His custom suit had patches from CU, CSU, and his high school, The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs. It was a reminder: this journey started right here, in Colorado gyms and Pac-12 battles.

The league fit is real

Clifford always had “pro” written on him. At 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan, the physical tools were there. But now? He’s polished. Stronger. Smarter. A better shooter. A more complete player.

He shot just under 38% from three last season, rebounded like a power forward, and regularly drew the toughest defensive assignments. The Kings didn’t draft him for potential. They drafted him because he’s ready right now. Ready to guard multiple spots, hit open shots, and do all the stuff that makes good teams better.

And in a Western Conference that’s full of wings who can cook you off the dribble? Clifford’s ability to switch and battle on defense is going to matter early.

This one just feels different

We’ve had Buffs go to the league before. Alec Burks. Spencer Dinwiddie. Derrick White. But this one is special.

Maybe it’s because Clifford is from Colorado Springs. Maybe it’s because he left, leveled up, and didn’t forget who helped him elevate his game. Or maybe it’s just because Colorado basketball hasn’t had enough nights like this—and we needed one.

This wasn’t just a win for Clifford. It was a win for CU hoops. For The Vanguard School. For every overlooked kid in the Springs. For every player who needed three or four years to figure it out.

And for us Buffs fans who couldn't help but root for him in a rival jersey in the NCAA Tournament.

Congrats, Nique.

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