Cliff Alexander

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Not to be confused with Clifford Alexander, Jr..
Cliff Alexander

Alexander drives on Jahlil Okafor (March 7, 2013)
No. 11
Power forward
Personal information
Born (1995-11-16) November 16, 1995
Nationality American
Listed height 6 ft 8 in (203 cm)
Listed weight 250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school Curie (Chicago, Illinois)
College Kansas (verbal commitment)
Career highlights and awards

Cliff Alexander (born November 16, 1995) is an American basketball player who is playing his senior season for Curie High School during the 2013–14 season. He is ranked among the top 5 in the national class of 2014 by Rivals.com, Scout.com and ESPN.[1][2][3] He has given a verbal commitment to the University of Kansas and plans to play for the Jayhawks during their 2014-2015 season.

He did not play organized basketball until eighth grade, but by late in his freshman season he became a notable contributor to his high school's varsity team. He was ranked among the top 20 prospects in the national class of 2014 prior to his sophomore season. As a junior, he moved into the top 10 of the national class and was recognized as an All-American. By the beginning of his senior season, he was considered to be a top 5 player by most talent evaluators and his stock was still on the rise. Following a Martin Luther King Day performance during his senior year against the number one team in the country, many experts consider him to be the best player in the national class of 2014.

In 2013, he represented USA Basketball in international play. Several talent scouts praise his powerful game. As a high schooler, Alexander felt he was most often compared to Amar'e Stoudemire. Alexander was heavily recruited by many top Division I basetball programs and his recruitment was widely-followed. He has been selected to play in the 2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game and for the 10-man Team USA at the 2014 Nike Hoop Summit.

High school career

Freshman

Alexander, who was also a highly regarded football player, did not play organized basketball until eighth grade.[4] Alexander played on Curie's 2010–11 varsity team as a freshman, but had little impact at first and sat out some games in December.[5] He missed the first ten games due to a heart murmur.[6] In late December, he started getting local attention as part of the reason Curie remained undefeated.[7] During the Chicago Public High School League (CPL) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) playoffs, he contributed significant performances.[5] On March 9, 2011, Curie was eliminated from the IHSA playoffs in a Class 4A sectional semifinal by Lyons Township High School as freshman Alexander posted 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a 66–64 loss.[8] His late-season contributions gave Curie an added dimension,[9] as the team finished with a 28–3 record.[4] Following his freshman season, Alexander began to be recognized by local evaluators as a potential top national recruit.[10] After Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor, Alexander was already considered the best Chicago area basketball prospect.[5] He earned Red-Central all-conference recognition.[11]

Sophomore

As late as August 2011, Alexander remained unrecognized by most national evaluators.[12][13][14] However, as Alexander entered his sophomore season, he was one of three area prospects that were firmly among the national class of 2014's top 25 prospects (along with Whitney M. Young Magnet High School teammates Okafor and Paul White). As of September 1, 2011 Alexander was ranked 13 by ESPN.com and 9 by Rivals.com.[15] On December 30 in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, Parker's Simeon Career Academy defeated Alexander's Curie 44–27 as Alexander was almost shut out by Simeon's Steve Taylor.[16][17] On January 22, 2013, Okafor and Alexander went head to head in CPL play. Curie defeated Young by a 57–46 margin as Alexander had 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks before having a personal foul disqualification. Despite fouling out, Alexander had the better game with nearly a dozen Division I programs in attendance.[18][19] Curie had a rematch against Simeon in the February 17 CPL championship game with Alexander again being ineffective on offense with four points against Parker and Taylor as Curie lost 53–49.[20][21][22] The game broadcast on ESPN3.[23] Following the season, a statewide panel of sportswriters and broadcaster voted Alexander as an Associated Press boys basketball Class 4A all-state honorable mention honoree.[24]

Junior

Alexander blocks Paul White during the March 7, 2013 IHSA playoffs

At the June 2012 Pangos All-American Camp, Alexander was selected as the Most Outstanding Player.[25] Alexander, who was already a top 5 recruit according to some sources, endured a Summer 2012 foot injury that sidelined him.[26] By mid-July 2012, as ESPN's number 10 ranked prospect, he received an offer from Kentucky and was being recruited by DePaul, Indiana, Ohio State and Wisconsin.[27] Upon receiving his offer from Kentucky, he told Rivals.com that his two leading schools were Kentucky and Michigan State.[28]

By the fall of his junior season, the Illinois class of 2014 was being mentioned as one of the all time great statewide classes of basketball players. Chicago Sun-Times writer Joe Henricksen noted that there was a high chance that this would be the fifth Illinois class and first since 2002 to include three McDonald's All-Americans.[29] He also noted that the class has a chance to rival if not surpass the classes of 1998 and 2011 which each had nine top 100 players.[30]

Alexander dunking during the March 7, 2013 IHSA playoffs

On November 30, at a Draffenville, Kentucky tournament game against Oak Hill Academy, Alexander scored 26 of his teams 39 points on 12–14 field goal shooting in a 72–39 defeat.[31][32] On December 29, Curie again faced Parker and Simeon in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament (this time in the semifinals). Alexander posted 21 points on 9–10 field goal shooting, but Simeon still prevailed 62–57.[33] Notably, Parker assumed Alexander as a defensive assignment after Alexander gave Curie a 48–47 lead with 4:58 time remaining and Alexander went scoreless the rest of the game.[34] Despite 11 points, 9 rebounds and 8 blocked shots from Alexander, Curie was eliminated from the CPL playoffs in a February 11 quarterfinals 60–58 loss to the Billy Garrett, Jr.-led Morgan Park High School[35] that went on to become 2013 IHSA Class 3A state champion.[36] On February 26, the Associated Press Illinois Class 4A basketball rankings showed Whitney Young at number 1,[37] and it was also expected that Young's road to the sectional finals would include a March 6 meeting with Curie. According to Henricksen, the March 6 state playoff meeting between Young and Curie was anticipated because it would pit Okafor against Alexander, making it the most highly touted IHSA playoff matchup of centers since 1988 when LaPhonso Ellis led East Saint Louis' Lincoln High School against Eric Anderson's St. Francis de Sales High School.[38] Mike Helfgot of the Chicago Tribune said that there have not been many matchups between big men this good with so much at stake.[39] On March 2, Alexander attended Senior night at University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign's Assembly Hall.[40] The February 2013 Great Plains blizzard caused controversial postponements of several IHSA games including the March 6 Young-Curie game, which was delayed one day.[41][42] Young defeated Curie 62–58 as the supporting cast made up for Alexander's 14–13 scoring edge over Okafor.[43]

Alexander in the low post against Jahlil Okafor as Paul White collapses on help defense.

In late April 2013, Okafor's father believed it was very possible that Okafor and Tyus Jones would matriculate together as a package.[44] By late April 2013, there were rumors that Alexander and Justise Winslow would attend whatever school Jones and Okafor attended.[45] Although Alexander was ranked as the fifth best player in the class of 2014 by Rivals.com and had offers from four of the six schools common to Jones and Okafor by the beginning of June, he said the chances of him matriculating with Jones and Okafor was slim.[46]

Alexander was recognized as a 2013 All-CPL first team selection by the Chicago Sun-Times along with Parker, Okafor, Kendrick Nunn and Garrett.[47] Alexander was recognized as an Associated Press All-State Class 4A first team selection along with Parker, Okafor, Malcolm Hill and Sterling Brown.[48] The Chicago Tribune named him to its All-State first team along with Parker, Okafor, Jalen Brunson and Tyler Ulis.[49] Alexander was one of five underclassmen selected by HighSchoolHardwood.com as an All-American, along with Okafor, Jones and Stanley Johnson (all first team) and Joel Berry (second team along with Alexander).[50]

Senior

Summer and preseason

Alexander has become a member of the Mac Irvin Fire AAU team along with Okafor.[51] During the Nike-backed Pro-Am summer basketball Chi-League Alexander, Okafor and Parker were on the same team.[52][53] On June 21, Alexander tweeted his final ten schools: "NO ORDER❗❗❗ TOP 10 School Kansas, Michigan state, Kentucky, Louisville, Illinois, DePaul, Indiana, Memphis, Baylor, Arizona NO ORDER".[54] He showed potential that LeBron James himself noticed at the July LeBron James Skills Academy.[51] He also stood out at the July Under Armour Summer Jam, where his Mac Irvin Fire opposed teams led by Myles Turner and Karl Towns.[55] On September 4, 2013, Rivals.com updated their ranking with Alexander maintaining his number 4 ranking. At the time, Eric Bossi of Rivals described Alexander as " perhaps the most powerful player in the high school ranks".[56]

On September 15 Alexander (by then the number 2 rated ESPN.com recruit) tweeted that he and number 22 rated point guard JaQuan Lyle would likely be matriculating together as a package.[57][58] The day before announcing his final six, Alexander told ESPN that he was no longer considering Kentucky because they had stopped communicating with him and that he was considering Connecticut and Oregon because they were recruiting his friend JaQuan Lyle.[59] Before announcing his final list he also announced his official visit schedule. He had already visited Arizona and DePaul and planned on taking official visits to Kansas on October 4, Memphis on October 18 and Illinois on October 26.[60] In response to queries about the NCAA-limited five schools he was officially visiting, he noted that he had already visited Kentucky and Michigan State with his parents unofficially and did not need to visit them officially.[61] Alexander's visit to Kansas occurred during their Midnight Madness celebration weekend known as Late Night in the Phog. Other recruits at Kansas that weekend were Kelly Oubre (Rivals.com number 12) and Malik Pope (Rivals.com number 17).[62] His visit to Illinois coincided with homecoming.[63]

On September 23, Alexander tweeted his final six schools: "My top 6 schools NO ORDER Michigan state, Illinois, Memphis, DePaul, Kansas, Arizona".[64] Alexander noted that he had strong relationships with both in-state schools remaining in consideration.[59] In September, Alexander believed that he would make his final selection with a December verbal commitment and an April signing of his National Letter of Intent.[60] On October 7, the Hoophall Classic schedule was announced and Curie was scheduled to play Montverde Academy on January 20.[65] That same day, Alexander tweeted a final five list that eliminated Arizona from his previous final 6.[66] On October 8, he gave a November 20 date for his expected verbal commitment announcement to be aired on ESPN.[67] On October 13 with upcoming visits to Memphis and Illinois looming, he announced a November 16 (his birthday) verbal commitment date.[68][69] Two weeks later the date was said (by NBA.com Basketball Insider Adam Zagoria) to have been amended to coincide with ESPNU's scheduled basketball recruiting special on November 15.[70]

By some accounts Kansas was a favorite because his girlfriend was a student at Kansas and the 2013–14 Kansas Jayhawks were scheduled to play the 2013–14 Duke Blue Devils at Chicago's United Center in the ESPN Champions Classic on November 12 just before his scheduled announcement.[71] In 2013 Caelynn Manning-Allen became a freshman on the Kansas women's basketball team.[72] However, Illinois was very excited to be in serious contention for Alexander. It was the first time since Derrick Rose in 2006 that a top 5 prospect was still considering Illinois so late into his senior year and Alexander's level of interest seemed much higher than Rose's.[73] Following his Illinois visit, his scheduled announcement date had moved forward to November 15.[74] FOX Sports and Scout.com analysit Evan Daniels reported that Kansas head coach Bill Self visited Okafor and Alexander in Chicago on October 30.[75] On October 31, Alexander officially eliminated Michigan State from his candidate list, leaving Kansas, Illinois, DePaul and Memphis in contention.[76]

On November 7 Alexander was ranked second behind points leader Emmanuel Mudiay in the Mr. Basketball USA preseason tracker. Although he had only one first place vote on the ten ballots, he was ranked ahead of Okafor and Stanley Johnson who combined for seven first place votes. Alexander and Mudiay were the only players named on 9 of the 10 ballots.[77] The preseason points leader has gone on to win the award in four of the prior five years.[78] His November 15 verbal commitment announcement was scheduled on the same date as Okafor, Jones and Stanley Johnson. According to ESPN, all four were among the top 10 in the national class (Okafor #1, Alexander #3, Jones #4 and Johnson #9).[79] On the eve of his announcement, Kansas and Illinois were the favorites for his services.[80] He made his verbal commitment on ESPNU to Kansas basketball on November 15.[81][82][83] He was flanked by his father (Clifton Terry) and mother (Latillia Alexander).[84] Prior to his senior season, USA Today named him to its 10-man preseason All-USA team along with Stanley Johnson, Jones, Trey Lyles, Emmanuel Mudiay, Malik Newman, Okafor, Oubre, D'Angelo Russell, and Turner.[85] Alexander was joined on the Chicago Tribune's preseason Illinois Mr. Basketball top 5 by Okafor, Brunson, Ulis and Keita Bates-Diop.[86]

2013-14 regular season

Alexander at Kenwood Academy

Alexander posted 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a December 7 66–62 victory at UIC Pavilion against USA Today's Super 25 number 11 ranked Bishop Gorman High School and its highly touted Stephen Zimmerman. Alexander almost had to serve a one-game suspension from the game due to having been assessed two technical fouls on December 1 against St. Rita High School.[87] Alexander had an impressive start to his season. On December 12, he posted a triple double against Dunbar High School with 30 points, 24 rebounds, and 15 blocked shots.[88] That week (December 9–17), he earned the Midwest player of the week from StudentSports.com.[89] As a senior, he finally led Curie past three-time defending tournament champion and four-time defending Class 4A state champion Simeon to win the Pontiac Holiday Tournament with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks,[90] earning tournament MVP honors.[91] Even as a top 5 selection, Alexander's stock continued to rise as a senior, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Henricksen.[92] Some of the stats that Alexander posted were so impressive as to cause disbelief to some, including Chicago Tribune high school basketball writer Mike Helfgot and several of his associates.[93] In early January, Alexander continued to be a leading contender for national player of the year, holding on to second place in the Mr. Basketball USA race.[94] On January 10, Alexander led Curie past Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School, which featured Rivals.com Class of 2015 number 10 ranked Carlton Bragg.[95][96] In the January 20 Hoophall Classic, Alexander led Curie to a victory over D'Angelo Russell, Ben Simmons and Montverde Academy, the number one rated team in the country. Curie trailed by 9 points entering the fourth quarter, but Alexander had 13 of his 30 points in the final 4 minutes and 30 seconds to key the comeback. Alexander also had 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.[97][98][99] Following the game, several writers, including CBS Sports college basketball writer Jeff Borzello said that Alexander has a valid case to present in terms of being the best high school basketball player in the country (along with Okafor, Turner and Mudiay).[100][101][99] High school basketball writer Ronnie Flores regards the performance as one of the top 5 performances against a nationally highly-rated high school basketball team since the turn of the century, ranking it with Louis Williams (2005), Kevin Durant (2006), Kevin Love (2007) and LeBron James (2001).[102] The win bolted Curie to the number one ranking in the nation according to StudentSports.com.[103] Alexander's performance moved him to the top of the rankings in the Mr. Basketball USA midseason tracker. He was ranked first by a wide margin and held the number one position on 7 out of 10 ballots.[104] As the CPL playoffs began on February 5, a February 21 championship game clash between Okafor and Alexander was pondered in the local press after the 32-team brackets were announced.[105]

Awards and honors

Alexander was selected to the 10-man Team USA for the 17th annual Nike Hoop Summit on April 12, 2014 at the Moda Center. He was selected along with fellow Chicagoan Okafor and fellow Kansas commit Oubre.[106][107] He was also selected to the 24-player 37th annual April 2, 2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game at the United Center. He was joined as a McDonald's All-American by fellow Chicagoans Ulis and Okafor as well as Oubre.[108][109]

Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Cliff Alexander
C/PF		 Chicago, IL Curie (IL) 6 ft 8.5 in (2.04 m) 240 lb (110 kg) Nov 15, 2013 
Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports: N/A   ESPN grade: 97
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 5, 3 (C)   Rivals: 4, 1 (PF)  ESPN: 3, 2 (IL), 1 (PF)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Comparisons

Prior to his sophomore season, he was considered more raw, but more athletic than Okafor, according to the Chicago Sun-Times basketball reporter Joe Henricksen.[15] At that stage in head-to-head competition, Alexander was overmatched by Okafor.[110] Following his sophomore season, Reggie Rose (Derrick Rose's brother) noted that Alexander was more suited toward a fast break offense while Okafor would be more likely to excel in a half-court set.[27] He is also compared to Anthony Bennett, although Alexander needs to improve his outside shooting to make the comparison valid and he needs to improve his low post mastery for a valid comparison to Jared Sullinger.[111] Alexander feels he is most often compared to Amar'e Stoudemire, which he is comfortable with because he views Stoudemire as someone who "...can shoot the 15-footer, put it on the floor, post moves, sets good screens."[51] NBADraft.net compares Alexander to Thomas Robinson.[112]

He is known as the type of player likely to get a slam dunk if he gets the ball near the rim.[113] His high dunk frequency is attributed to his multidimensional quickness, intuitive sense for the ball and his "brute physicality".[93] His "sheer dominance, along with his physical and athletic presence" are what make him a unique talent.[92] At the July 2013 LeBron James Skills Academy, James told him to develop his ballhandling and strength.[51]

Okafor is also compared to local products Parker and Okafor for off the court reasons. Whereas, they have been groomed to think about behaving like future celebrity athletes, Alexander is a star from off the street who has to be reminded of his role now. For example, when WGN named him athlete of the month in December 2013, they quoted his coach Mike Oliver who said, "People fail to realize (Simeon and Duke star) Jabari Parker and (Duke-bound Young center) Jahlil Okafor were groomed for this. For Cliff, this came out of nowhere, like a big wind thrown in his face."[114]

International play

Cliff Alexander
Medal record
Men's basketball
Competitor for the  United States
FIBA Americas U18 3x3 Championship
Gold 2013 United States National team

Alexander was selected by USA Basketball to represent Team USA in the inaugural 2013 FIBA Americas 3x3 U18 Championship in August. He helped the team achieve gold.[115] In the September 26–29, 2013 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship Team USA finished 9th with a 7–1 record, losing in the opening round of 16 in the playoffs.[116][117]

Personal

Alexander's father is 6-foot-7-inch (2.01 m) Clifton Terry, who played basketball for Robeson High School and Kennedy–King College. Following his time at the two-year Kennedy-King, Terry declared for the 2001 NBA Draft. His professional career included time in the NBA Development League. Alexander picked up basketball late due to the lack of available safe courts to play on in his Chicago West Side neighborhood known as the Brian Piccolo community.[6] Unlike some, he enjoys the recruiting process.[51]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Scout.com College Basketball Team Recruiting Prospects: Top Recruits". Scout.com. Retrieved 2013-08-29. 
  2. ↑ "The Rivals 150: 2014 Prospect Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved 2013-08-29. 
  3. ↑ "Recruiting Database: 2014 ESPN 100". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-08-29. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Helfgot, Mike (2011-05-03). "Basketball recruiting notes - Curie's Cliff Alexander shows promise". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Henricksen, Joe (2011-05-13). "Hoops Report's Player Power Rankings: Part II". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Curie, Alexander building a reputation". Comcast SportsNet. 2011-11-28. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  7. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2010-12-22). "Holiday hoops primer: Part I". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  8. ↑ Hurst, Bob (2011-03-09). "Boys basketball - 4A Argo Sectional: Nick Burt's layup seals Lyons' victory over Curie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  9. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2011-02-16). "Showdown week highlights season". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  10. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2011-05-30). "Hoops Report spring cleaning". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  11. ↑ Travis, Clyde (2011-03-23). "Public League all- conference teams". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  12. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2011-08-04). "Final look at summer of 2011". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  13. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2011-07-15). "Jabari, Jahlil, Big Cliff and everyone else". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  14. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2011-07-06). "Summer blockbusters". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Henricksen, Joe (2011-09-01). "Okafor, Alexander, White highlight 2014". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  16. ↑ O'Brien, Michael (2011-12-30). "Parker, Simeon cruise past Curie for Pontiac title". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  17. ↑ Liesse, Bill (2011-12-30). "Boys basketball - Pontiac final: No. 1 Simeon, Nunn dominate No. 3 Curie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  18. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2012-01-22). "Boys Basketball - Curie's guards lead way past Young". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2012-07-02. 
  19. ↑ Phillips, Scott (2012-01-22). "Boys Basketball: Curie wins showdown with Young". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  20. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2012-02-17). "Boys Basketball - Public League final: Taylor steps up with Parker foul trouble as No. 1 Simeon tops No. 3 Curie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2012-02-18. 
  21. ↑ O'Brien, Michael (2012-02-17). "Boys Basketball: Simeon staves off Curie, takes city title". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2012-02-18. 
  22. ↑ Powers, Scott (2012-02-17). "Simeon holds off Curie to win Public League title". ESPN. Retrieved 2012-02-18. 
  23. ↑ "High school basketball on ESPN". ESPN HS. 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2012-03-10. 
  24. ↑ "Boys basketball - Associated Press 4A, 3A All-State teams announced". Chicago Tribune. 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  25. ↑ Hassenstab, Kellon (2012-06-08). "Pangos All-American Camp Recap: The 10th annual all-star camp features the finest from the West Coast and beyond.". SLAM Magazine. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  26. ↑ "KU, Self take look at Class of 2014". KUSports.com. The World Company. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Powers, Scott (2012-07-17). "Kentucky offers Curie center Alexander". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  28. ↑ Kline, Alex (2012-07-24). "Two Lead For Cliff Alexander". Rivals.com. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  29. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2012-10-03). "Top Illinois trio in 2014 best since ...". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  30. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2012-11-24). "Will Class of 2014 push all-time great classes?". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  31. ↑ Beckett, Ann (2012-12-04). "Oak Hill Academy powers through Curie and Southwind at 2012 Hoopfest". Marshall County Daily. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  32. ↑ Price, Jeremy (2012-12-06). "IU basketball notes: Trending Now". The Hoosier Scoop. Hoosier Times Inc. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  33. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2012-12-29). "Pontiac tourney semifinal - Simeon's Pollard clutch again against Curie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  34. ↑ O'Brien, Michael (2012-12-29). "Simeon downs Cliff Alexander-led Curie". High School Cube. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  35. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-02-11). "Morgan Park beats Curie in Public League quarterfinals: Mustangs earn shot at Simeon". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  36. ↑ Kane, Colleen, Bob Narang and Mike Helfgot (2013-03-16). "Boys hoops - Four sure: Simeon wins fourth straight state title". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-03-17. 
  37. ↑ "AP ranks Washington, Manual boys basketball in top 10". Journal Star. 2013-02-26. Retrieved 2013-02-27. 
  38. ↑ Henricksen, Joe (2013-02-25). "Tourney time storylines to follow". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-02-27. 
  39. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-03-04). "Boys hoops blog - Alexander-Okafor matchup intriguing, as is Young-Curie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-03-05. 
  40. ↑ Ryan, Shannon (2013-03-02). "Steady Illinois withstands pesky Nebraska: Illini overcome hot-shooting Cornhuskers to post 72-65 victory". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  41. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-03-07). "Boys hoops - Some coaches unhappy with rescheduling of sectional games". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-03-08. 
  42. ↑ Kane, Colleen (2013-03-07). "Simeon All Access - Smith downplays schedule issues". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-03-08. 
  43. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-03-07). "Boys hoops - 4A sectional: Peak, Okafor help Young earn rematch with Simeon". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-03-08. 
  44. ↑ Powers, Scott (2013-04-17). "Jahlil Okafor to hold in-home visits". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-04-18. 
  45. ↑ Payne, Terrence (2013-04-27). "Report: Jahlil Okafor says its ’99.9′ percent chance he and Tyus Jones play together in college". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2013-05-02. 
  46. ↑ Payne, Terrence (2013-06-04). "Cliff Alexander: ‘doesn’t matter to me’ where Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones go to college". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2013-06-21. 
  47. ↑ Travis, Clyde (2013-02-12). "Simeon’s Jabari Parker heads the 2013 Sun-Times All-Public League team". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-02-13. 
  48. ↑ "Stevenson’s Brunson earns all-state basketball honors". Lake County News-Sun. 2013-03-15. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  49. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-03-30). "2013 Tribune All-State first team". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  50. ↑ "2012-13 High School Hardwood All-Americans". HighSchoolHardwood.com. 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 Sam, Aggrey (2013-09-24). "Welcome 2 Chicago: Already famed for its PGs and wings, gifted big men Cliff Alexander and Jahlil Okafor will keep the prep hoops spotlight firmly on the Windy City this season.". SLAM Magazine. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  52. ↑ McGavin, Patrick Z. (2013-06-15). "Davis, Pippen among those at Young H.S. for debut of new pro-am basketball league". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
  53. ↑ Harper, Krissy (2013-06-19). "The Game Changer: Local legends showed out at Nike Chi League Pro-Am this weekend.". SLAM Magazine. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  54. ↑ Alexander, Cliff. "@humblekid11 status update". Twitter. 
  55. ↑ Hazan, Danny (2013-07-20). "Centers of Attention: Elite post players highlight the Under Armour Summer Jam.". SLAM Magazine. Retrieved 2013-10-07. 
  56. ↑ Bossi, Eric (2013-09-04). "Okafor Retains Hold on Top Spot in Rivals 150". Rivals.com. Retrieved 2013-09-04. 
  57. ↑ Doyle, Kevin (2013-09-15). "Cliff Alexander tweets he and JaQuan Lyle will play in college together". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  58. ↑ Woodburn, Peter (2013-09-17). "Cliff Alexander and Jaquan Lyle form another pair of power recruits". SB Nation. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Powers, Scott (2013-09-23). "DePaul, Illini among finalists for Alexander". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 Powers, Scott (2013-09-22). "Alexander cuts Kentucky, adds UConn, Oregon". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  61. ↑ Jones, Steve (2013-07-11). "Cliff Alexander’s UK, Michigan State interest still high; Louisville official visit date still TBD". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
  62. ↑ Dodd, Rustin (2013-09-30). "Three top basketball recruits expected to visit KU on 'Late Night in the Phog'". Kansas City Star. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  63. ↑ Curi, Ryan (2013-09-21). "Illinois Basketball: 5 Biggest Questions About Illini's 2014 Recruiting Plans". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  64. ↑ Alexander, Cliff. "@humblekid11 status update". Twitter. 
  65. ↑ Payne, Terrence (2013-10-07). "2014 Spalding Hoophall Classic schedule released: Headliners include Oak Hill Academy, Findlay Prep, and St. Anthony". MassLive.com. Retrieved 2013-10-29. 
  66. ↑ Alexander, Cliff (2013-10-07). "@humblekid11 status update". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  67. ↑ Alexander, Cliff (2013-10-08). "@humblekid11 status update". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  68. ↑ Alexander, Cliff (2013-10-13). "@humblekid11 status update". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  69. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-10-21). "Basketball recruiting - Alexander, Okafor could co-exist in college, but it's unlikely we'll find out". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-10-22. 
  70. ↑ Alexander, Cliff (2013-10-27). "@AdamZagoria status update". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  71. ↑ Parini, Jason S. (2013-10-24). "ESPN Champions Classic in Chicago a Blow to Illinois Basketball?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  72. ↑ Kuznia, Roger (2013-11-14). "Wherever Cliff Alexander goes, his skills fit any program". Sporting News. Retrieved 2013-11-15. 
  73. ↑ Powers, Scott (2013-10-25). "Alexander recruiting visit has Illini excited". ESPN. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  74. ↑ Fornelli, Tom (2013-10-28). "Alexander Family 'Had A Great Time' On Official Visit". TheChampaignRoom.com. SB Nation. Retrieved 2013-10-30. 
  75. ↑ Daniels, Evan (2013-10-30). "@EvanDanielsFOX status update". Twitter. Retrieved 2013-11-02. 
  76. ↑ Leung, Diamond (2013-10-31). "Top recruit Cliff Alexander eliminates Michigan State from consideration: 'Right now, no relationship'". MLive.com. Retrieved 2013-11-05. 
  77. ↑ Flores, Ron M. (2013-11-07). "Mudiay Tops 2013-14 Preseason POY Tracker". StudentSports.com. Retrieved 2013-12-10. 
  78. ↑ Flores, Ron M. (2013-11-09). "Mr. Basketball USA: All-Time Favorites". StudentSports.com. Retrieved 2013-12-10. 
  79. ↑ Keeney, Tim (2013-11-14). "Prediction for Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor's Duke vs. Kansas Decision". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2013-11-15. 
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  82. ↑ Stainbrook, Michael (2013-11-15). "Curie's Cliff Alexander chooses Kansas over Illinois". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-11-15. 
  83. ↑ Borzello, Jeff (2013-11-15). "Kansas beats out Illinois for No. 3 prospect Cliff Alexander". CBS Sports. Retrieved 2013-11-15. 
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  85. ↑ Halley, Jim and Jason Jordan (2013-11-20). "2013 Preseason American Family Insurance ALL-USA Boys Basketball Team". USA Today. Retrieved 2013-11-20. 
  86. ↑ Helfgot, Mike (2013-11-27). "Boys hoops - Top 5 Mr. Basketball candidates". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-12-13. 
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  88. ↑ Dodd, Rustin (2013-12-13). "Cliff Alexander update". Kansas.com. Retrieved 2013-12-30. 
  89. ↑ "Players of the Week". StudentSports.com. 2013-12-18. Retrieved 2013-12-30. 
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  95. ↑ "Carlton Bragg vs Cliff Alexander - Top 15 players in the country go head to head at McCracken County". Lexington Herald-Leader. Kentucky.com. 2013-01-11. Retrieved 2014-01-13. 
  96. ↑ Jones, Steve (2013-01-11). "With Calipari watching, Trey Lyles has 29 points, 15 rebounds in win over Carlton Bragg (24, 9)". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved 2014-01-13. 
  97. ↑ King, Thomas (2014-01-20). "Hoophall Classic 2014: Cliff Alexander, Kelly Oubre show what Kansas basketball will look like after Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid". MassLive.com. Retrieved 2014-01-21. 
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  101. ↑ Hickman, Jason (2014-01-21). "MaxPreps Top 25 national high school boys basketball rankings". MaxPreps. Retrieved 2014-01-27. 
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  103. ↑ Flores, Ronnie (2014-01-21). "Updated FAB 50 National Rankings". StudentSports.com. Retrieved 2014-01-27. 
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  111. ↑ DeCourcy, Mike (2013-07-12). "'War' rages to land Cliff Alexander, powerful 2014 recruit". Sporting News. Retrieved 2013-10-04. 
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  113. ↑ Calle, Franklyn (2012-06-20). "2012 NBPA Top 100 Camp Recap: Kuran Iverson, AI’s younger cousin, was among the top performers last weekend.". SLAM Magazine. Retrieved 2013-10-05. 
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  116. ↑ "USA Women Claim FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship Gold". USA Basketball. 2013-09-29. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 
  117. ↑ "USA Men's 3x3 U18 World Championship Team -- All-Time Results & Standings". USA Basketball. Retrieved 2013-10-03. 

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