Colt's Basketball Player Crisshawn Clark Verbally Commits to the University of Pittsburgh

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Pitt lands junior college combo guard
 

By John Harris

Pitt added junior college guard Crisshawn Clark to its 2016 class following a recent whirlwind recruitment.

The 6-foot-4 Clark, who attended high school in Huber Heights, Ohio, before settling at Canada College in San Mateo, Calif., selected the Panthers over Oregon, Loyola (Ill.), Gonzaga, Cal, Arizona State and Butler.

“He's a great get for Pitt,” Canada College coach Mike Reynoso said Monday night. “He's a dynamic combo guard who shoots it really well. He's a high-flyer who rebounds and plays defense.” 

 

In his first season at Canada College, Clark averaged 15 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3 assists. He shot 47.2 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from beyond the arc. 

Clark plans to redshirt his final season at Canada College and will have three years of eligibility with the Panthers, beginning in 2016-17. 

“Pitt is closer to home for me,” Clark said. “Knowing I wanted to redshirt, I had to make a decision pretty early.” 

Clark is expected to sign during the early signing period in November. Reynoso said Pitt followed up on a junior college scouting report and sent assistant Bill Barton to observe Clark for the first time a few weeks ago. 

Coach Jamie Dixon returned to scout Clark firsthand following Barton's visit and offered Clark a scholarship on the spot, according to Reynoso. 

“He had a ton of offers and interest, but he really liked what Pitt had to offer,” Reynoso said. “He liked everything on his visit.” 

Clark visited Pitt's campus and attended the Panthers' homecoming football game against Virginia on Oct. 10. 

“The coaching staff is amazing,” Clark said. “Coach Dixon has been there a long time. I really like the family atmosphere. We talked about my role and how I would fit in. 

“I have a good chance to be successful in that program.” 

Reynoso said Clark has the versatility and athleticism to play both guard positions at the Division I level.

“He's going to be able to fill a lot of areas of need,” Reynoso said. “He's a wing who can play (point guard). They like him as a (shooting guard) who can play (point guard).” 

John Harris is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jharris@tribweb.com or via Twitter @jharris_trib.