Cheshire’s call for Calvin Clemmons

A brand new face has been welcomed into the Cheshire Phoenix side for the 2013/14 BBL season, in the shape of 6′ 8″ power forward/centre, Calvin Clemmons.

Clemmons, 30, who hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, has built up a reputation based on unwavering resolve that saw him recover from a posterior cruciate ligament tear during his time at the University of North Carolina, as part of the Charlotte 49ers, and has gone on to play around the world in a number of professional teams, including in Chile, Mexico and Portugal amongst others.

Portugal has more significance for Clemmons as his mother’s Portuguese roots allows him dual citizenship of both the US and Portugal, but what the Phoenix fans will enjoy hearing most is his self belief in applying to his game, straight-forward hard work.

Speaking previously in 2010 after his time in Portugal with Eurobasket.com, Clemmons made a strong point of his determined and steadfast approach to taking to the court: “A lot of players have the talent and the skills that coaches love to see, but very very few players have the work ethic needed to perfect their talents.

“I take what I do very seriously. I am a fighter and am very determined to be successful. I have had a few injuries but I have always worked so hard to get back to the physical form that I was in before the injury.

“I could have easily given up and not pursued my dream but in my mind if you are willing to put in the work then there is a way to be successful. My professionalism is another thing about me that all of my coaches have been happy with. I do what I’m asked to do and stay away from the things that I must not be a part of.”

(Calvin Clemmons showreel – advised to turn down your volume – initial sound is very screechy)

From the highlight reels seen so far of Clemmons, he looks to be a very useful addition to Cheshire Phoenix, with his power and presence inside the paint, and is thought to be the first of a number of other newcomers to be announced over the coming weeks.

• UKAmericanSportsFans.com will be catching up with the Cheshire Phoenix organisation at their annual Summer Camp this week, so keep an eye out for all things Phoenix in the next few days.