Darius Clemons '21 Recruiting Profile

I’m Darius Clemons, a 6’7”, 215lbs varsity senior basketball player at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL.  As the 2021 starting center, I'm a powerful force on defense challenging the shot and creating blocks and turnovers. I've established myself as an impact player in the paint while still demonstrating the ability to step out and guard perimeter players as well. In addition, my offensive contributions have delivered on average >12 points per game (high of 25pts) while securing extra team possessions through strong rebounding offensively and defensively. I was selected for the NSC All-Conference team as well as the Lake County All-Area 2nd team.

As a junior, I secured a spot on varsity and a starting position on JV.  Our 2020 Stevenson varsity team were the North Suburban Conference Champions and IHSA Regional Champions before the season was cut short due to COVID prior to our appearance at the IHSA Sectional matchup.  During my sophomore year, I was the top rebounder and shot blocker with 224 rebounds and 44 blocked shots. My sophomore team went 27-1 (14-1 in conference) and were North Suburban Conference Champions while having the best sophomore season in school history. In addition to starting for the sophomore “A” team, I also secured a starting position on JV and earned playtime on varsity.  During my freshman year, I was the starting center/stretch four on the A1 team. I earned recognition as the top rebounder and shot blocker with 119 rebounds and 28 blocked shots. As a team, we went 25-1 (15-0 in conference), were North Suburban Conference Champions, and broke the best freshman record in school history.

Throughout my high school basketball career, I grew as a leader among my teammates encouraging stronger on-court communication. I was recognized by coaches as a positive influence for the team and a mentor to younger players. In addition to my high school training, I’ve also played 6 years of AAU travel basketball and attended PGC Basketball training camps for 3 years (Playmaker 1, Playmaker 2, and Point Guard College course graduate). During my time at PGC, I learned how to be a better leader, playmaker, and person. At my last PGC course, I was chosen to be a captain by showing my leadership skills, basketball IQ, and passion for the sport.

Outside of basketball, I am also a varsity lacrosse and football player. I additionally helped coach some of the younger (future Stevenson) players during summer camps and the feeder basketball season. Beyond sports, I volunteered at a local food pantry by carrying groceries out to the car for the elderly and those with small children. I also volunteered at the local elementary and intermediate schools during year-end textbook collection and classroom cleanout. These opportunities really help me give back to a community that has supported me. Lastly, I try to be a positive role model for my younger siblings and some of the younger kids in my neighborhood/basketball programs. I encourage them to be the best they can be not only in sports but also in life.

After high school, I aspire to play basketball at the collegiate level to continue to challenge and advance my skills on and off the court. I’m currently exploring mid- to large-sized universities to determine which is the best fit for me as I pursue my higher athletic and academic goals. I’m interested in majoring in engineering to leverage my strength in math and science. I’m looking forward to talking to you about the next chapter of my basketball career.