SDSU's Cluff ranks among nation's top rebounders
BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota State's Oscar Cluff has made his presence felt down low in his first season with the Jackrabbits and is one of two players in the country averaging more than 12 rebounds per game.
At 6-foot-11, Oscar Cluff stands out. The Australian is the only player in the Summit League averaging a double-double with just under 17 points a game, fifth in the conference, and nearly 12 and a half rebounds a night, second best in the nation and nearly five more than anyone else in the Summit.
'Every time someone puts a shot up, my thought is 'I got to get the ball,'' Cluff said. ''I got to get the ball. Like, that's my ball. I got to go get it.''
The big man ranks first in Division I with more than four offensive boards a game. He is also top five nationally in field goal percentage at better than 65%.
'I was just amazed at how he could always know where the basketball is and then get his own rebound if he missed, which obviously stats show he doesn't miss a lot,' SDSU junior forward Matthew Mors said. 'He's been great. Not only is he really good on the court, he's just a great guy off the court as well. He's fun to be around.'
SDSU lost all five starters from last season's championship team. Now, Cluff, who is playing at his third college in four years, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Jackrabbits.
'He's really been amazing with our young players, helping them grow,' SDSU head coach Eric Henderson said. 'Then when you talk about his presence right on the floor, he's been superb.'
South Dakota State initially recruited Cluff out of community college in Arizona. After the Australian made a stop at Washington State, he determined Brookings was the right spot.
'To be able to bring in a guy like Oscar that is experienced, that plays the way that we do, fits into our system and our style and what we want our program to be about, it's a home run,' Henderson said.
Cluff is also a gifted passer and is tied for seventh in the conference with nearly three assists a game. He and the Jackrabbits host first-place Omaha on Thursday.
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