In a week full of spectacular performances, Ohio senior forward AJ Clayton has been honored with the Lou Henson National Player of the Week award, the organization announced on January 13. Clayton’s outstanding contributions on the court led the Ohio men’s basketball team to a perfect 2-0 week, helping the Bobcats maintain their undefeated start to Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
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The 6-foot-7 forward from Roseville, Ohio, reached a historic milestone during this stretch, scoring his 1,000th career point while dominating both offensively and defensively. Clayton averaged an impressive 29.0 points per game, shooting 20-of-30 (66.7%) from the field, 13-of-18 (72.2%) from three-point range, and 5-of-8 (62.5%) from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed significantly to other aspects of the game, adding 5.5 rebounds per game, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks during this stretch. It was an all-around dominant week that made it clear why Clayton deserved this prestigious award.
A Perfect Week for Clayton and the Bobcats
Clayton’s week started on Tuesday, January 9, with a road game against Buffalo. In that game, he led all scorers with 27 points, shooting an efficient 10-of-18 from the field, 4-of-8 from three-point range, and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. But his scoring wasn’t the only contribution that stood out. He grabbed seven rebounds, blocked three shots, and even managed to steal the ball once in Ohio’s 88-77 victory. It was a signature performance from Clayton, showing that he could take over games both offensively and defensively.
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His impressive performance against Buffalo set the tone for an even more incredible outing on Saturday, January 13, when the Bobcats returned to their home court to face off against Ball State. Clayton wasted no time making his mark in this game. Just two minutes into the game, he sank a three-pointer to reach the 1,000-point milestone in his career. But Clayton wasn’t done just yet. He went on to finish the game with an eye-popping 31 points, shooting 10-of-12 from the field, 9-of-10 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-4 from the free-throw line. His nine three-pointers set a new career-high for the senior, and it was the most threes made by an Ohio player in a single game since 2020.
What made this performance even more remarkable was Clayton’s efficiency. Not only did he score a career-high 31 points, but he did so in just 18 minutes of action. He also added four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. His shooting from deep was particularly impressive, as he hit nine of his ten attempts from beyond the three-point line, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities from all areas of the court. This remarkable shooting performance is one that will go down as one of the finest in Ohio basketball history.
A Standout Senior: Clayton’s Impact on the Bobcats
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AJ Clayton’s incredible week is a testament to his development as a player over the course of his college career. After starting as a promising freshman, Clayton has blossomed into one of the most dynamic and dangerous players in the MAC. His ability to score from all three levels – from inside, at the mid-range, and from deep – has made him a versatile threat for the Bobcats. His performance on Saturday, where he drained nine three-pointers, is a reflection of his continuous improvement in shooting and overall offensive efficiency. As a senior, Clayton has learned how to take over games and carry his team when needed, and it’s no surprise that he’s earned recognition as one of the nation’s top players.
But it’s not just Clayton’s offense that has been key to the Bobcats’ success this season. His defense has also been a crucial factor in Ohio’s victories. With 2.5 blocks per game and 1.0 steals per game in this stretch, Clayton has shown that he can affect the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions and his presence as a shot-blocker make him a valuable asset for Ohio, especially in the competitive MAC.
Clayton’s leadership and experience have also been important for the Bobcats. As one of the team’s veteran players, he’s helped guide Ohio through what has been a successful season so far. His performance on the court has been infectious, inspiring his teammates to elevate their own play. In addition, his consistent effort in practice and games has set a high standard for the team, and the Bobcats’ success is a direct result of his leadership.
Ohio’s Strong Start to MAC Play
Thanks in large part to Clayton’s performances, the Ohio Bobcats have gotten off to an impressive start in MAC play. The team currently holds a 3-0 record in conference games, and their strong performances so far indicate that they are a team to watch this season. With a balanced attack that features solid contributions from multiple players, Ohio has the potential to be a contender in the MAC and beyond.
The Bobcats’ recent success has been a result of both individual brilliance from players like Clayton and collective team effort. Ohio has built a solid foundation with a fast-paced, high-scoring offense that thrives on good ball movement and shooting. Their defense has also improved, making them a well-rounded team that can compete with the best in the MAC. With Clayton continuing to play at such a high level, the Bobcats are looking poised to make a serious push for a strong finish in the conference and a possible NCAA tournament berth.
Looking Ahead: Clayton’s Future and Ohio’s Upcoming Games
As the season progresses, AJ Clayton will undoubtedly be one of the key players to watch. His talent and leadership have been integral to Ohio’s success, and he will continue to be a focal point of the offense as the team looks to maintain its strong start. The upcoming games for the Bobcats are crucial, as they look to build on their 3-0 record in MAC play and continue to dominate conference opponents.
Ohio will next take the floor on Tuesday, January 14, when they host Ball State at the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will be available for viewing on ESPN+. This will be another important game for the Bobcats as they look to extend their winning streak and keep their momentum going in conference play.
As for Clayton, he will undoubtedly continue to chase more milestones and accolades, with his eyes set on further success in both the MAC and nationally. With his explosive scoring ability, leadership on both ends of the floor, and overall efficiency, AJ Clayton has solidified himself as one of the top players in the country and one of the most exciting players to watch this season.
