On November 19, Texas men’s basketball secured a commitment from four-star, top-50 recruit John Clark, marking the program’s first 2025 recruit. The announcement was made via a video, where head coach Rodney Terry praised Clark’s character and skill. “There’s never been a time I’ve been around John when he didn’t have a smile on his face,” Terry said. “He’s going to be a terrific, versatile forward who plays with a smile.”
Ranked No. 40 by ESPN, the 6-foot-9 center was recently named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Boys High School Player of the Year Watch List, which recognizes the top 50 high school basketball players for the 2024 season.
“John Clark combines finesse and power with the versatility needed to succeed in the SEC,” said Blue Zertuche, a recruiting analyst for the Great American Shoot-Out, in a release. “He’s effective around the rim and isn’t afraid to use his physicality when necessary. His game has grown consistently, and playing against elite competition in the SEC will only help him develop further.”
Clark has played at Klein Cain High School in Houston since his texfreshman year. During his junior season, he averaged 17.8 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, shooting 61% from the field. He led the state of Texas in rebounds per game and double-doubles, recording 22. His efforts helped Klein Cain reach the first round of the 2024 UIL Class 6A state tournament.
In recognition of his standout play, Clark was named to the All-Greater Houston Boys Basketball second team by the *Houston Chronicle* and earned All-Adidas Performer honors on the 2024 Adidas 3SSB circuit while competing with his Houston AAU team, T.J. Ford Elite.
Clark also benefited from coaching under former Texas point guard and Naismith Award winner T.J. Ford, who is second on the Longhorns’ all-time career assist list. This experience, along with competition against top-tier athletes, has helped shape Clark’s development.
For his senior year, Clark transferred to Link Academy in Branson, Mo., following in the footsteps of fellow top recruit and future Texas forward Tre Johnson, who also spent his final high school year at Link Academy before joining the Longhorns.
“Clark is an intriguing long-term prospect,” said Adam Finkelstein in a 247 Sports scouting report. “His rebounding ability will translate immediately, and as he develops his frame and becomes more efficient, he has the potential to be a versatile offensive threat. While his defensive intensity may need some improvement, he has all the physical tools to excel on that side of the ball as well.”
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