The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Clinkscales takes on new role
Hurricanes’ fan-favourite named to coaching staff of KW Titans
Walking away from the game he loved to play was never going to be easy for Cliff Clinkscales.
But when the Halifax Hurricanes withdrew from the National Basketball League of Canada last October, the star guard knew there was no way he could continue to play for another team.
The 37-year-old still had the skill and desire, but not a Hurricanes uniform.
“That’s going to be the hardest part because I know when I was playing I was still playing at a high level,” said Clinkscales. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was four years old, that’s my passion. What made it easy for me was when Halifax pulled out. I can’t ever see me playing in any other jersey in this league. That made my decision a little easier.”
Last fall, the Hurricanes were part of an Atlantic Division exodus from the league that had been shut down by COVID-19 since March 2020. The Moncton Magic, the St. John's Edge and the Island Storm also left, with only four Ontario teams remaining to carry on in the NBLC’S 10th anniversary season beginning in February.
Joining the Titans are the London Lightning, Sudbury Five and Windsor Express.
COACH CLIFF
With his playing days seemingly behind him, Clinkscales started to look for other avenues to stay in the game.
The Scotiabank Centre fan-favourite found a new opportunity that was right in his lane. Clinkscales was hired by the Kitchener Waterloo (KW) Titans as the lead assistant coach and manager of player development.
“Coaching is something I knew I always wanted to do in my next chapter of life,” said Clinkscales. “To just be around the game of basketball. I didn’t know where I would start, the college level, high school or the pro level. The opportunity came about and I went after it.”
Clinkscales joins the Titans staff led by head coach Neal Foreman.
“It’s the perfect role me,” said Clinkscales, who grew up in Queens, N.Y. “I’m working with a great guy in coach Neal, who has been around basketball for a long time. He knows me and he knows my compete-level. All the basketball stuff is second nature to me. I’m a basketball junkie. Helping guys on the court, practice, if they need extra work, schemes, I know that like the back of my hand. That’s going to be the easy part.”
Clinkscales, a guards’ guard, said he will miss his role as a floor general, the special bond of teammates and the thrill of competing. But he is more than ready for his new role.
“There’s never a day off when you’re a coach. That’s going to be the tough part, but I’m willing to learn. I’m just gonna try to bring a winning attitude. One thing about me is, when I’m locked in, I’m locked in. It’s all business.”
Clinkscales credits Mike Leslie, the former Hurricanes coach and interim head coach of the Acadia Axemen men’s basketball team, for helping him find the coaching gig with the Titans.
The veteran guard, who played NCAA Division 1 at Depaul, was hoping he might join Leslie on the Axemen coaching staff, but that didn’t come to pass. But Leslie kept a lookout for possible landing spots for him, said Clinkscales.
“The KW job opened up and coach Leslie gave me a call. He said that he thought it would be a good idea for me to put my name in the hat. He said people around the league, the coaches and the players respect me. Coach Leslie was not only my coach but we have a very good relationship.”
MEMORIES MADE IN HALIFAX
Clinkscales said he was thankful for his time in the Nova Scotia capital that began in 2014 as a member of the Halifax Rainmen.
“From Day 1 they supported me,” said Clinkscales. “I came here and it was at the end of the 2014 season and they’ve always been loyal fans. Halifax loves basketball and they support it.”
He said the championship run of 2015-16 was his career highlight while playing in Halifax.
“Winning the championship in 2016 was special. That was my goal from Game 1, to bring a pro championship to the city of Halifax. I also made sure that every time I stepped on the court that I gave it my all and left everything out there.”
With his Hurricanes playing career in the past, Clinkscales is focused on Feb. 5th when the Titans open the NBLC season against the Windsor Express.
“This is a very good step for me,” said Clinkscales. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that the KW Titans gave me.”