Dominique Akai Clifford Bio
Dominique Akai Clifford (born February 9, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-5 small forward was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after a standout career at Colorado State University. Clifford previously played collegiately for the University of Colorado Buffaloes. He has established himself as a two-way player, earning recognition for both his offensive contributions and defensive prowess in the Mountain West Conference.
Early Life and Background
Dominique Akai Clifford grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he attended The Vanguard School. He developed into one of the top high school prospects in the state during his tenure there. As a senior at The Vanguard School, Clifford delivered an exceptional season, averaging 26.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.5 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. His dominant performance earned him the Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as a highly-touted collegiate prospect.
Clifford garnered significant recruitment interest from multiple programs before ultimately deciding to continue his basketball career in-state. He selected the University of Colorado over offers from Stanford, Denver, Northern Colorado, Colorado State, and Wyoming, choosing to begin his collegiate journey with the Buffaloes program.
Path to Basketball
Clifford arrived at the University of Colorado in 2020 and began his collegiate career with the Buffaloes. He saw limited action during his freshman season while developing behind veteran players. During his sophomore year, Clifford averaged 6.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, showing glimpses of his potential as a versatile forward capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
As a junior, Clifford appeared in 35 games with 33 starts for Colorado. He averaged 5.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while continuing to refine his all-around skill set. Following the conclusion of his junior season, Clifford entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking a new opportunity to elevate his game at a different program.
He ultimately transferred to Colorado State University to join the Rams for the 2023-2024 season. This move proved transformative for his basketball career, as the Mountain West Conference became the stage where he established himself as one of the premier players in the region.
Dominique Akai Clifford Career
Colorado State Rams (2023-2025)
Clifford made an immediate impact upon arriving at Colorado State. In his first season with the Rams, he averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and three assists per game. His well-rounded production and two-way play earned him Third-team All-Mountain West Conference honors, validating his decision to transfer and providing a foundation for future success.
His final collegiate season proved to be his most accomplished. Clifford elevated his game to an elite level, leading Colorado State to the Mountain West Conference championship while earning First-team All-Mountain West and Mountain West All-Defensive Team honors. On March 7, 2025, in his final regular season game, Clifford scored a career-high 36 points in an 83-73 victory against the Boise State Broncos. He followed this performance by recording 24 points in the championship game, earning Mountain West tournament MVP honors on March 15, 2025.
Sacramento Kings (2025-Present)
Following his collegiate career, Clifford entered the 2025 NBA Draft. He was selected with the 24th overall pick in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Sacramento Kings acquired his draft rights in exchange for a protected 2027 first-round pick, securing the Colorado State standout for their roster. On July 3, 2025, the Kings officially announced they had signed Clifford to his rookie contract.
Clifford began his professional career with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, before making his NBA debut. On February 8, 2026, he recorded a career-high 30 points during a 126-132 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating his ability to score at the professional level despite his rookie status. His progression throughout the season showed promise for his long-term potential in the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Clifford has developed a reputation as a versatile two-way player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor. His 6-foot-5 frame allows him to guard multiple positions, which earned him Mountain West All-Defensive Team recognition. Offensively, he shows proficiency in scoring from mid-range and attacking the basket while also displaying playmaking ability with his assists numbers at Colorado State. His rebounding instincts and basketball IQ have translated well to the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining stretch of Clifford’s collegiate career came during his senior season at Colorado State. His 36-point performance against Boise State in the regular season finale showcased his offensive capabilities under pressure. He followed that effort with a 24-point championship game performance to secure the Mountain West tournament title and MVP honors. In the pros, his 30-point game against Cleveland represented his emergence as a scoring threat in the NBA, providing a glimpse of the player he can become with continued development.
Dominique Akai Clifford Career Highlights
Clifford accumulated significant accolades during his collegiate career at both Colorado and Colorado State. His most decorated period came during his two seasons with the Rams, where he earned conference-wide recognition each year. His draft selection by the NBA in 2025 represented the culmination of his development from a Colorado high school standout to a professional player.
Mountain West Conference Achievements
Clifford’s Mountain West career peaked during the 2024-2025 season when he earned unanimous recognition as a First-team All-Mountain West selection and a spot on the Mountain West All-Defensive Team. His championship performance in the conference tournament, highlighted by a 24-point showing in the title game against Boise State, secured him tournament MVP honors. The previous season, he earned Third-team All-Mountain West recognition after his first year with Colorado State, finishing as the Rams’ second-leading scorer and top rebounder.
Other Notable Performances
Prior to his Mountain West success, Clifford showed steady development during his three seasons at the University of Colorado. His junior year saw him start 33 of 35 games while averaging nearly six points and four rebounds per game. His senior season at Colorado State produced his career-high 36-point performance and established him as one of the top players in the conference.
Dominique Akai Clifford Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Clifford’s family background, parents, or extended family. Publicly available records do not confirm details about his family lineage or any multi-generational athletic connections. He was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he attended high school before beginning his collegiate career.
Personal Life
Clifford maintains a public presence on social media under the handle otn_nique on Instagram. He currently resides in Sacramento, California, while playing for the Kings organization. No verified information about a spouse, children, or other significant personal relationships has been confirmed through available sources. Clifford’s focus appears to remain on his basketball career following his recent transition to professional play.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-2026 season marked Clifford’s rookie year in the NBA following his selection in the 2025 Draft. He spent part of the season with the Stockton Kings on assignment before joining the Sacramento Kings roster. His progression showed promise as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of professional basketball. The highlight of his season came on February 8, 2026, when he scored 30 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers, demonstrating his ability to create and convert scoring opportunities at the NBA level.
Clifford’s rookie campaign represented a learning curve typical of first-year players making the jump from college to the professional ranks. His defensive versatility and two-way potential gave the Kings organization reason for optimism about his long-term development. The partnership with his coaching staff focused on refining his offensive consistency and expanding his defensive repertoire to become a complete NBA player.