Sam Clancy: No Regrets

by Mike Lieberman, Sixers.com
posted June 25, 2003

Clancy at USC Concluded career as USC’s all-time leading shot-blocker (195) Finished career third at USC in points (1,657), second in rebounding (839) and fifth in steals (134)

Sam Clancy had the opportunity of a lifetime following his junior year at the University of Southern California. He had the chance get drafted in the first round of 2001 NBA Draft.

He was coming off a stellar year where he led his Trojans to the East Regionals in the NCAA Tournament and garnered East Regional All-Tournament honors. In the tournament, he averaged 18.0 ppg, 10.8 rpg and blocks 4.0 bpg. So, Clancy declared early for the 2001 NBA Draft.

"After my junior year, I just wanted to try to get a feel for everything to see where I stood amongst the draft class that year," said Clancy. "It turned out to be the best experience for me because I think I got my name out there more. "

A great showing at the 2001 NBA Pre-Draft camp in Chicago definitely helped his stock, as Clancy led all players in scoring (14 ppg) and rebounding (9.3 rpg) and shooting 55.2 percent from the field.

"People were starting to realize who Sam Clancy was and what I could do," said Clancy.

Then Clancy decided to return to school for his senior year.

"I felt that another year would have helped me out and it did," said Clancy.

In his senior year, Clancy did not disappoint being named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press and earning many other All-America awards.

He began the whole NBA Pre-Draft process again until disaster struck.

"The second time around I really didn't have a draft experience," said Clancy who dislocated the patella tendon in his left knee during his first official workout for an NBA team, the Phoenix Suns, and was unable to workout any further. The injury would require surgery which was performed on May 22 by LA Lakers team physician, Dr. Steve Lombardo.

Draft night came. He had been dreaming of this night since he was a little kid. This was the night that the his name was going to be called by the NBA's Commissioner David Stern as an NBA Draft pick. But the picks went by; Yao Ming to the Rockets, Marcus Haislip to the Bucks ending the lottery picks, Kareem Rush to the Raptors at 20, then the last pick of the first round Dan Dickau to the Sacramento Kings.

Clancy remained confident.

"I knew that I'd get drafted. I wasn't worried that I'd not get drafted and not get called at all," said Clancy. "I was just thinking of which team was going to pick me."

“	I felt that another year would have helped me out and it did.” — Sam Clancy

With the 45th pick, Clancy finally heard his name called by the NBA's Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik as being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.

"When I finally heard my name and it was the Sixers, I was happy" said Clancy. "I felt that I was the type of player that they needed."


Clancy spent the entire 2002-03 season on the injured list rehabbing his knee and did not get the opportunity to play. When asked if he could do it all over again and remain in the draft following his junior year, Clancy replied, "I would still go back for my senior year. Even with the knee injury. I have learned so much more about myself. It has really helped to mature much more. It taught me a lot about myself."