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Logan • Ben Clifford wasn't supposed to be a key member of coach Stew Morrill's rotation this year.
Heck, he wasn't even supposed to be a big member of the Utah State basketball team.
As a 6-foot-8 redshirt freshman, Clifford was supposed to be stuck on the end of the bench, watching and learning behind Brady Jardine, Kyisean Reed and Morgan Grim. He was supposed to be the fifth member of a four-man rotation.
But things changed drastically for the former star from Bingham High.
Heading into Tuesday night's matchup against Montana Tech, a relative break from the grind of the Western Athletic Conference for the Aggies, Clifford has carved out a big role for himself off the bench. He's improved as the season has progressed, and he now looks like a viable candidate to do the same next year as a sophomore — or perhaps even start.
His success this year has surprised not only Clifford, but his family as well.
"My mother hasn't been to many of my games," Clifford said. "She told me that she would've come to more games if she knew I was going to be playing. I'm surprised, but I knew when I got my chance that I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
The opportunity came because Jardine went down with what would become a career-ending foot injury. He averages 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Keep in mind, however, that he spent the first few games of his collegiate career going scoreless, missing easy layups and jumpers as he adjusted to the speed and athleticism of Division I basketball.
He's been much better during the conference schedule, knocking down shots, even 3-pointers. He was instrumental in the win over Hawaii, and he's the best pick-and-pop big man on Morrill's roster.
"I'm not big enough to battle the biggest guys down there," Clifford said. "So I have to play to my strengths. I have to hit jumpers and play hard."
Utah State has two nonconference games this week, the latter being a bracketbuster matchup against UC-Santa Barbara on Saturday night. Coming off a disappointing defeat to New Mexico State this past weekend, the Aggies have a chance to get two wins and build up for the stretch run.
"We have to play harder and smarter," Morrill said. "We have to figure out how to rebound the ball."
Twitter: @tonyaggieville