University of Memphis Athletics
Tigers Sign Keon Clergeot for 2016-17
Jun 09, 2016 | Men's Basketball
Florida native was named First Team All-State in 2015-16
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis men's basketball head coach Tubby Smith added his second player for the 2016-17 season in signing Auburndale High School standout Keon Clergeot (pronounced cler-JO) to a Financial Aid Agreement.
"We are really excited to sign Keon," said Smith. "He will be able to contribute and compete for playing time immediately. His ability to score the basketball is outstanding, and he is a tough, hard-nosed kid who is very coachable. I have always been impressed with how he responded to coach Eric Robinson at Auburndale High School, and taking them to a district championship, something they haven't done in years. He will tell you that Keon was a big part of the success his high school team had. He comes from a winning program – and he will bring that winning attitude to Memphis."
Clergeot was named Florida Association of Basketball Coaches (FABC) Class 6A First Team All-State after averaging 26.5 points, which led all Polk County scorers. He also dished out six assists and pulled down eight rebounds per game.
"I love the fact that he wanted to be here," said Smith. "He here and wants to be a part of our program. We have a need for him because of his outside shooting, and his ball handling and passing skills. He is a hard-nosed and blue-collar worker. He will take charge and dive on the floor for loose balls. He is a real hustler – my kind of player."
He finished fourth in the Class 6A Player of the Year voting and helped lead Auburndale High School to a 16-9 overall record, including a 5-3 mark within District 6. As a junior, he averaged 26.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.5 rebounds.
Clergeot joins Christian Kesse and Jimario Rivers - the latter of which signed in the fall - as newcomers to the Tigers' roster for the 2016-17 season.
"We are really excited to sign Keon," said Smith. "He will be able to contribute and compete for playing time immediately. His ability to score the basketball is outstanding, and he is a tough, hard-nosed kid who is very coachable. I have always been impressed with how he responded to coach Eric Robinson at Auburndale High School, and taking them to a district championship, something they haven't done in years. He will tell you that Keon was a big part of the success his high school team had. He comes from a winning program – and he will bring that winning attitude to Memphis."
Clergeot was named Florida Association of Basketball Coaches (FABC) Class 6A First Team All-State after averaging 26.5 points, which led all Polk County scorers. He also dished out six assists and pulled down eight rebounds per game.
"I love the fact that he wanted to be here," said Smith. "He here and wants to be a part of our program. We have a need for him because of his outside shooting, and his ball handling and passing skills. He is a hard-nosed and blue-collar worker. He will take charge and dive on the floor for loose balls. He is a real hustler – my kind of player."
He finished fourth in the Class 6A Player of the Year voting and helped lead Auburndale High School to a 16-9 overall record, including a 5-3 mark within District 6. As a junior, he averaged 26.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.5 rebounds.
Clergeot joins Christian Kesse and Jimario Rivers - the latter of which signed in the fall - as newcomers to the Tigers' roster for the 2016-17 season.
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