Oscar Cluff has emerged as one of the most underrated big men in college basketball this season. The South Dakota State senior center has made an immediate and significant impact in his first year with the program, excelling on both ends of the floor.
Through 13 games, Cluff has recorded an impressive nine double-doubles, showcasing his dominance in the paint. As the Jackrabbits’ best player, he has been instrumental in their 9-6 non-conference record, highlighted by a notable Quad 2 win against McNeese.
Cluff is averaging 16.9 points and 11.2 rebounds while shooting 68.5% from the floor. He ranks second in the country in double-doubles, fifth in field goal percentage and seventh in rebounds per game.
“Rebounding is all about effort,” Cluff said. “It’s a hustle play. It’s about the little things, like boxing out your man. Everything put together, I think, works out for me as the best rebounder I can be.”
Cluff’s passion for basketball was sparked by playing the video game NBA 2K at age 14 in his hometown of Sunshine Coast, Australia. His enjoyment of the game inspired him to try the sport in real life.
When Cluff first stepped onto the court, he was far from a natural. Despite his lanky frame, he lacked athleticism and struggled to jump. Balancing a job with evening practices for his club team, Cluff worked tirelessly to improve his skills. As his game progressed, teammates and coaches encouraged him to pursue basketball in the United States. Over the past four years, Cluff has made that dream a reality, competing at the junior college and Division I levels.
“I just played because I thought it was fun,” Cluff said. “I was working a 9-to-5 job in a shed banging medal. Then, over the years, someone presented me with the opportunity (to come play in the United States). I thought it was amazing. Once I had that first stepping place, it allowed me to put goals in place and attain them.”
Cluff started his collegiate career at Cochise College in Arizona. The talented center thrived at the junior college level, helping the team win 58 games in two years. He posted 12.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, shooting 75% as a freshman in 2021-22. He was an All-American as a sophomore the following season, scoring 18.2 points per game on 74.8% shooting and adding 9.8 rebounds per contest.
“The JUCO level helped me the most to be the player I am,” Cluff said.
After two standout seasons at the junior college level, Cluff transferred to Washington State, where he became a key contributor as a junior last season. In 35 games, Cluff tallied 7.0 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game, playing a role in helping the Cougars secure their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 16 years.
During the offseason, Washington State coach Kyle Smith departed to take the coaching job at Stanford. Although Cluff initially intended to remain at Washington State for his final collegiate season, the coaching change prompted him to enter the transfer portal.
South Dakota State was the ideal landing spot. Coach Eric Henderson, who initially recruited the 6-foot-11, 260-pound center out of junior college, recognized the value of adding Cluff’s experience to a roster filled with young talent. The Jackrabbits’ winning tradition also played a significant role in Cluff’s decision, as the program has made the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three seasons.
“He has always had a lot of belief in me,” Cluff said. “That is huge when a coach trusts you when things are on the line. That is what has led me here.”
The move has paid off for Cluff. He leads the team in points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage. Besides his on-court contributions, Cluff’s experience has been valuable on a young roster. South Dakota State’s starting lineup features a freshman, redshirt freshman, sophomore and junior, with 11 of the team’s 15 players classified as underclassmen.
Cluff’s three years of collegiate basketball experience have been evident throughout the season. Against challenging non-conference teams, he has mostly delivered quality performances. In a recent matchup against fifth-ranked Alabama, Cluff showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, recording 21 points and 15 rebounds in 25 minutes.
As South Dakota State transitions to Summit League play with aspirations of returning to the NCAA Tournament, Cluff’s knack for performing in big moments will be critical.
The Jackrabbits begin conference play against Denver (6-9) at 9 p.m. ET Thursday at home.
“The team needs to just to stay together, place together and trust each other,” Cluff said. “We need to be humble and hungry.”
