Men’s Basketball adds Colorado Big Man Clay Verk for 2016-17

Clay Verk
Clay Verk

Clay Verk (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) has signed a National Letter-of-Intent with Stetson Men’s Basketball, head coach Corey Williams announced today. Wednesday is the first day of the Early Signing Period.

Verk, who will be a freshman for the Hatters in 2016, is a 6-8, 250-pound forward at ThunderRidge High School in suburban Denver. The Grizzlies were the 2015 5A state runner up.

Finding a quality big man during summer recruiting was a priority for Williams and his staff. Once they saw Verk at a tournament in Las Vegas, the talented forward went to the top of their list.

“When I initially came across Clay, the first things I recognized were his body and his footwork,” said Williams. “He also has good hands and a nice touch. I could tell he knew how to score. He’s really mobile for a guy his size and he knows how to play. I love his skill and his versatility. He can step out and shoot, he won’t just sit down on the block. As time went on I felt like we had an opportunity to sign him, and we went after him pretty hard. We’re excited to bring him into our program.”

Verk averaged 6.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game as a junior while shooting 55 percent from the field. He served as a backup to two-time All-State selection Zach Pirog, currently a freshman at Nebraska-Omaha. Despite his reserve status, Verk scored in double figures seven times as a junior, with a high of 13 points against Douglas County. He earned notice for his 8-point, 7-rebound effort in the state final against Overland. With Pirog gone, Verk will have an opportunity to shine during his senior season and Williams believes the Hatters may have signed a sleeper.

“We got him right when we needed to get him,” said Williams. “He was starting to get a lot of looks from other programs before he committed to us.  He’s spent his high school career waiting behind some good players, but now it’s his time. As the season progresses a lot of other schools will be wondering how they missed out on him.”

In addition to his skills on the court, Williams is excited about getting a player from such a strong high school program. ThunderRidge is arguably the state’s top large-school basketball program, reaching the state finals seven times since 2002 and winning state crowns in 2002 and 2003 under head coach Joe Ortiz.

“I’ve found in the past that kids who come from schools like ThunderRidge are more ready to play college basketball,” Williams said. “Clay has been well-coached, and his coach has been demanding. That’s important. He’ll be ready to play. He’ll step in and won’t miss a beat.”

GOHATTERS.COM