Recently we had a chance to speak with St. Francis (NY) men’s basketball player Clifford Strong.  With Strong’s help, St. Francis (NY) defeated Monmouth, 58-54, in the quarterfinals, before losing to Central Connecticut State in the semifinal round of the 2002 NEC Basketball Tournament.  Strong averaged 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds last season.  The Brooklyn, NY native currently averages 13.5 ppg and ranks fifth in the NEC in rebounding with 8.5 per contest.  Strong recently scored his 1,000th career point and pulled down his 500th rebound.  St. Francis (NY), the most successful NEC program over the last five seasons, is currently fighting for a playoff spot as they seek their first-ever league title when the NEC Tournament commences on March 8th at Wagner College.

Name: Clifford Strong
School: St. Francis (NY)
Sport: Men’s Basketball
Year: Senior

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High school: Bishop Loughlin
Major: Business Management

Favorite TV show: National Geographic, Driven
Favorite Movie: John Q
Favorite Music: Everything, mostly R&B
Favorite Class/Professor: Business Statistics taught by Prof. Hunter
Hobbies: Reading
Favorite Hoopster: Michael Jordan and Elton Brand

NEC: Why did you choose to come to SFNY?
CS: I transferred from Loyola (MD) College because I wanted to come back home. I like that it’s a commuter school, so I can be at home with my family

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
CS: I want to work for the FBI.

NEC: How does it feel to be a member of the 1000-point club?
CS: It’s a big accomplishment. I wasn’t too emotional when it happened because the season is not going well. It’s just not the same as when you are winning.

NEC: What are your goals this season?
CS: Coming in to the season I wanted to prove to people that I was a first team all-conference player. I thought I was overlooked last year. As a team we want to get to the tournament and win. Getting a ring is very important.

NEC: What will it take for St. Francis (NY) to become NEC champs this year?
CS: Everyone has to know his or her role. People need to settle down and be more relaxed in their role. We all need to understand what is needed in order to win. Our seniors have to bring their A-game to set an example for the rest of the team.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition?
CS: Monmouth is very patient and slows the game down, so they always give us a tough game. Our press isn’t as effective when we play Robert Morris. Wagner is always tough; it could go either way when we play them.

NEC: How are you preparing for the upcoming NEC Tournament?
CS: I really haven’t been looking that far ahead. I am just taking it one game at a time. I also try not to dwell on things.

NEC: What is your role on the team this year?
CS: My coach wants me to be a defensive presence on the court as well as a scoring threat. It’s hard to be both at 100%. I try to stay composed and lead by example.

NEC: What teams do you look forward to playing this year and why?
CS: I like playing against LIU. We have a home rivalry going with them. Central and Wagner are good games. Wagner’s big men are physical and so am I, so that makes it interesting.   

NEC: Where is your favorite place to play?
CS: I like my home court.

NEC: What is the worst place to play?
CS: Quinnipiac is a funny gym. It’s hard to get into a good rhythm there.  

NEC: How long have you been playing?
CS: Since the third grade.

NEC: How did you get started?
CS: I used to play with my cousins on the street all the time. We used a street sign as the basket and made up the rules. We also watched a lot of sports on TV and I enjoyed basketball.

NEC: Name some aspects of your game that make you a great player?
CS: My determination to win. I play harder than most people and they can’t match my intensity. I know when I go up I’m going to get the rebound.

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
CS: My assistant coach at Loyola College was a big influence. He’s a great guy and we are friends even now. He was a father figure, respected me and taught me a lot. My best friend reminds me why I play and keeps me focused. He calls me and gets me ready for games. My mother is my biggest influence. She raised me by herself and always supported me. I push myself and when I think of her I go harder. She’s the main reason I am graduating in May. 

NEC: Who are some players, past or present, you would pay to watch play?
CS: Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett and Kenyon Martin. 

NEC: What is the most important attribute a basketball player needs?
CS: They need to be strong-minded. People think it is easy to play basketball, but if you can’t control yourself then you’re not going to be great.

NEC: What is your most memorable game?
CS: My senior year in high school playing against Christ the King. We were ranked eighth in the country and we won the game. There were a lot of scouts at the game and I had a great game. I was very underrated at the time and never got the respect I deserved. After that game though I started to get respect and it led to awards after the season.

NEC: Do you have any future plans as far as playing basketball?
CS: Every athlete needs to be a realist. They need to know what they can do and accomplish. I have been working towards the NBA in the past, but after a losing season I think I need to wake up. I’m realistic and I can just start my career for the same amount of money as playing overseas.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern