Tye Clay #5

Position: Point Guard |

Height/Weight: 6’/165

Summary:

True floor general with elite poise, strength, and vision. Tye creates consistent paint touches, elevates every teammate, and controls the pace of the game with advanced decision-making. His blend of physicality, IQ, and leadership makes him a foundational piece for any college program.

Evaluation

Strengths & Skills

Primary Ball Handler & Pace Controller:

  • Plays with an exceptionally strong base, allowing him to absorb pressure and remain poised against elite defenders.

  • Excels at changing speeds and leveraging angles to consistently create paint touches.

  • Maintains balance and control under duress, enabling him to execute at a high level in both primary and secondary actions.

    Playmaking & Vision:

    • Elite anticipation and passing ability: Reads defenses early, identifies rotations, and delivers passes that put teammates in scoring positions.

    • Creates scoring opportunities for every player on the floor by manipulating defenders and understanding spacing at a professional level.

    • Executes complex actions fluidly, moving seamlessly from first option to second and third reads without breaking offensive rhythm.

  • Scoring Ability:

    • Strong, physical finisher who thrives through contact and converts in traffic.

    • Has worked into a reliable perimeter shooter, particularly effective on kick-out catch-and-shoot 3s and rhythm step-ins.

    • Capable of creating his own shot late in the clock, using strength and footwork to create separation.

  • Rebounding from the Guard Spot:

    • Exceptional rebounder for his position due to strength, vertical athleticism, and relentless pursuit of the ball.

Defensive Impact:

  • Relentless on-ball defender who dictates where the ball goes; denies penetration and controls pick-and-roll entry points.

  • Disrupts actions early by applying pressure and forcing the offense to flow into secondary options.

  • Creates turnovers through active hands, anticipation, and high-level understanding of spacing.

  • Thrives as a communicator on switches and rotations, anchoring team defense from the guard position.

Basketball IQ & Unique Perspective

Acts as a coach on the floor: Constantly directs traffic, calls out coverages, and communicates with both teammates and coaching staff.

  • Recognizes game-flow adjustments instantly and applies them without hesitation.

  • Embraces leadership responsibility—calm under pressure and thrives in late-game decision-making scenarios.

Intangibles & Leadership

Ultra-competitive and thrives in high-stakes moments; plays with a winning mindset every possession.

  • Extremely coachable, detail-oriented, and committed to film study and preparation.

  • Brings a professional approach to his craft—sets standards for work ethic, accountability, and team-first mentality.

Brandon Payne’s Comments on Intangibles

Brandon Payne’s Comments on Intangibles:

“Tye is the ultimate floor leader. His ability to control tempo, read the game two steps ahead, and make every teammate a threat makes him special. He’s a true extension of the coaching staff on the floor—his communication, composure, and basketball IQ are elite for his age. Tye’s presence raises the standard for everyone around him, and that’s exactly what college programs need from their point guard.”