Terrence Clarke Rumors | Hoops Rumors

And-Ones: Henry, Acquisitions, Fines, Clarke

April 25th, 2021 at 8:55pm CST by JD Shaw

Baskonia star Pierria Henry is mulling an NBA offer and could leave the team in the near future, according to a report from Encestando (hat tip Sportando). Chema de Lucas of mibaloncesto.com added (via Twitter) that the team in play for Henry is the Timberwolves.

Henry, 28, is also a strong target for Real Madrid next season, according to Encestando. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 assists in the EuroLeague this season, making an impact on both ends.

“His game may be better suited for NBA than Europe,” an NBA scout told Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News (Twitter link). “Has developed into one of the best backcourt defenders in Europe, will translate well to NBA. Led Euroleague in steals.”

Minnesota has one available roster spot to use with just under a month left in the 2020/21 season.

Here are some other odds and ends from around the basketball world:

ESPN examines which new acquisitions have surprised the most with their respective teams. The panel of writers discuss players such as Clippers guard Rajon Rondo, Lakers center Andre Drummond and Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr.
Joe Vardon of The Athletic explores the NBA’s fine and suspension system, along with where the money from each eventually goes. “We’ve never heard a single thing about it,” Draymond Green said, mentioning that he and many NBA players don’t know what happens to the money they forfeit. “For years we’ve all been told, ‘Yeah, the fine money goes to charity,’ but we don’t hear anything about these charities, we don’t have any say so about these charities. Nor do you ever hear, ‘Oh your fine money went to said charity.’” As Vardon details, it’s difficult to track where the money from any one specific fine goes, but there are a number of foundations that have benefited from the program.
Jared Weiss of The Athletic remembers Terrence Clarke, a projected second-round draft pick from Kentucky who tragically passed away in a car accident last week at just 19 years old.

Kentucky’s Terrence Clarke Dies Following Car Accident

April 23rd, 2021 at 6:41am CST by Luke Adams

Kentucky shooting guard Terrence Clarke passed away on Thursday after sustaining fatal injuries during a car accident in Los Angeles, the University of Kentucky confirmed in a statement. Clarke was 19 years old.

WKYT in Kentucky reported that Clarke, who had declared for the 2021 NBA draft and was a potential second-round pick (ranked 72nd on ESPN’s board), had worked out with Wildcats teammate Brandon Boston Jr. before the accident occurred on Thursday afternoon.

The Valley Traffic Division of Los Angeles Police said that Clarke was the only person in the car at the time of the crash, per WKYT. He ran a red light going “at a very high rate of speed,” collided with another vehicle, then ran into a street pole and a block wall, according to police. Clarke was pronounced dead after being transported to Northridge Hospital.

“I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight,” Kentucky head coach John Calipari said in a statement. “A young person who we all love has just lost his life too soon, one with all of his dreams and hopes ahead of him. Terrence Clarke was a beautiful kid, someone who owned the room with his personality, smile and joy. People gravitated to him, and to hear we have lost him is just hard for all of us to comprehend right now. We are all in shock.”

Clarke only played in eight games for Kentucky as a freshman in 2020/21, as an ankle injury sidelined him for much of the college season. However, he was prepared to go pro, having signed with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports for representation.

“We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke,” Paul said in a statement, per ESPN. “Terrence was an incredible, hard-working young man. He was excited for what was ahead of him and ready to fulfill his dreams. Our prayers go out to Terrence and his family, who ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

Clarke grew up in Boston and had established with relationships with a handful of NBA players, including Celtics stars Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. They were hit hard on Thursday by the news of the 19-year-old’s passing.

“I did (know him), yes,” Walker said (via ESPN). “Yes, I did. Very well. Very well. Very, very, very tough. Very tough news, man. He’s a very, very good kid. Just always smiling, always energetic. And he was about to get his opportunity, too. My condolences to his family.”

We at Hoops Rumors also send our condolences to Clarke’s family and friends.

Tre Mann, Others Declare For 2021 NBA Draft

March 24th, 2021 at 8:57am CST by Luke Adams

Florida sophomore guard Tre Mann is entering the 2021 NBA draft and will forgo his remaining college eligibility, writes ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Mann played well in the SEC and NCAA tournaments this month, boosting his stock substantially in the eyes of NBA evaluators, says Givony. The 6’5″ guard averaged 16.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 3.5 APG on .459/.402/.831 shooting in 24 games (32.4 MPG) this season.

Givony ranks Mann 15th on ESPN’s list of top 2021 prospects, calling him one of the most talented ball-handlers and shot-creators in this year’s draft class.

“I think that NBA teams were able to see my ability to play on and off the ball as well as my improved stats across the board,” Mann told ESPN. “I was able to showcase my leadership skills, efficiency shooting the ball, defensive versatility and ability to rebound.”

Here are some of the other prospects who have recently declared for the draft:

Pittsburgh sophomore wing Justin Champagnie is testing the draft waters, per a press release from the school. He’s the No. 53 prospect on ESPN’s big board.
Kentucky freshman shooting guard Terrence Clarke, the No. 67 prospect on ESPN’s list, has declared for the draft, he announced on Twitter.
West Virginia junior guard Sean McNeil is testing the draft waters, he announced (via Twitter).
Auburn freshman power forward JT Thor will go through the draft process while leaving the door open to continue his college career, according to a press release.