USC's Towering Senior Center Clarice Akunwafo: Rim-Protecting Force with Untapped Upside
At 6'6", Clarice Akunwafo stands as USC's tallest player since 2017, delivering elite rim protection with 0.9 blocks per game as a freshman and career-high 6 blocks in an NCAA win over Kansas in 2023-24, while posting efficient 50.7% FG shooting in 2024-25 (2.1 PTS, 2.8 REB)[1][4][7]. Her raw athleticism, double-double flashes (10 PTS/10 REB at Virginia), and academic excellence (Pac-12 Honor Roll) mark her as a high-motor big with breakout potential in her senior year—perfect for teams needing paint dominance and leadership without injury concerns.[1][7]
