Prospect Spotlight: Chianti Clay Jr.
Playing a huge role on Milwaukee Washington’s 2018-19 D-2 runner up team and being crowned as the best shooter in Milwaukee by many, Chianti Clay Jr. is looking to make a substantial jump as he turns the page into his junior season.
Prep Hoops Wisconsin was able to catch up with the Washington sharp-shooter and ask him some questions about his recruitment, what he wants to improve, and much more.
Having a productive first two years in high school, Chianti Clay Jr. has already established himself as a hot commodity in the recruiting world. Clay currently holds offers from Houston and Wake Forest, but that list is sure to expand in the very near future. The guard says that he has gotten some interest from UIC, Grambling St., TCU, Northern Kentucky, and Memphis. Clay’s ability to shoot the ball from downtown will cajole many more college coaches into offering him a scolarship spot.
In last year’s D-2 championship game, Chianti Clay Jr. was not culpable for Milwaukee Wshingtion’s loss to Nicolet, but he did exacerbate it. Clay Jr. did not perform as well as he was capable of. He went 0-3 from the field and was unable to get a tally in the scoring sheet. He was not fully responsible for the loss, but it still left him with a bitter taste in his mouth. “I just don’t want to feel that feeling again,” said Clay. If the two schools face-off in the 2019-2020 season, Clay stated: “(We need to) keep them off the offensive boards and stop Jalen Johnson.”
Clay’s marksmanship is immutable, but he still has some things that he can get better at. “I can improve everything my game, but the main things I can improve is my defense and my strength,” Clay stated. He also said that he would like to tighten up his jumper and handles.
This AAU season, Clay Jr. has been playing with Mac Irvin Fire, which is one of the top landing spots for big-time recruits. “(My experience with Mac Irvin Fire) It’s been very good. I like how they get up and down the and space the floor.” Playing on such a prestigious program will also expose the 5’11” guard to plenty of high-major college programs.
Averaging 8.1 points per game last season, Chianti Clay Jr. is ready to make the jump and prove that he is no mirage.