Clancy Chooses USC Over NBA

USC forward Sam Clancy has withdrawn his name from the NBA draft list, and will return to school for his senior year.

The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Clancy was the Trojans’ leading scorer, with a 17.3-point average, and rebounder, at 7.5 last season.

“Going through the workouts and the draft camps was a good experience, but I’ve decided to return to school for my senior year,” Clancy said in a prepared statement.

“‘I enjoyed the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in America and I have a better idea now of what I need to work on to be a competitive player at the next level. But I’m also excited to be coming back to USC. We had a great season last year and I’m looking forward to trying to match last year’s success.”

In helping the 24-10 Trojans reach the NCAA tournament’s East Regional final, losing to eventual champion Duke, Clancy was named to the 2001 All-Pacific 10, the Sporting News Pac-10, NABC District 15 and USBWA District 9 first teams.

According to several scouts, Clancy had impressive workouts at NBA draft camps in Phoenix and Chicago, and was being considered by some teams as a late first-round pick at best.

He had previously said he would not leave school unless he was sure he would go high in the draft.

Said Coach Henry Bibby, “I think he saw he needed things to work on and he feels his position next year can be enhanced. It’s a big difference to go in the top 15 than the lower 20s.

“He showed people he has ability. But he needs to get a little stronger, tougher, and meaner. Then he moves up.”