Claflin commits to UW-Green Bay
One of the fastest rising prospects in Wisconsin’s 2020 class this spring/summer, Southern Door forward Ryan Claflin went from unknown to Division 1 prospect in a matter of months. On Oct. 13, Claflin landed his first D1 offer from UW-Green Bay. Sixteen days later, Claflin joined their 2020 recruiting class, announcing his commitment Tuesday night.
“It’s a great division 1 program close to home, which I wanted to be a part of,” Claflin told Prep Hoops Wisconsin. “It was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.”
Claflin, who accepted a grayshirt offer from the Phoenix, also held Division 2 scholarship offers from Winona State, Northern Michigan, Hillsdale, and Michigan Tech.
As a junior, Claflin averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.7 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game en route to being named a first-team All-Conference selection in the Packerland.
“They (UWGB) like my versatility, especially defensively,” said Claflin. “I think they also see me as a guy who can space the floor and hit shots and take it off the dribble as well.
“They liked my versatility and shooting ability,” he continued. “They also like the fact that I have a lot of room to grow as a player.”
Claflin was also receiving interest from North Dakota going into his senior season. However, Claflin saw the right fit with Green Bay and pounced on it.
Being so close to home was a major factor, but I also thought that by committing before the season, I could focus on my high school season,” he said.
Claflin, the No. 18 ranked senior, is the second verbal commitment for UWGB in 2020, joining Jacob Jones (Jeffersonville, Ind.). He’ll join a program that’s won 17 or more games in five of the last six seasons, including a fourth place finish or better in the Horizon League over the span, which also includes a conference title in 2013-14.
“I’m extremely thankful to be able to play at the highest collegiate level,” he said. “This has been my goal for quite some time, so I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the program win.”