Kihei Clark Bio
Kihei Issaiah Clark is an American professional basketball player for the Kortrijk Spurs of the BNXT League. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and playing the point guard position, he began his career after a decorated tenure with the Virginia Cavaliers. He is best remembered for his role in Virginia’s 2019 NCAA championship run as a freshman.
Born on January 25, 2000, in Tarzana, California, Clark developed his game in the Los Angeles area before emerging as one of the most efficient lead guards in the Atlantic Coast Conference. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, he has continued his career internationally.
Early Life and Background
Kihei Issaiah Clark was born in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the oldest son of Malik and Sharon Clark. His father is of Chinese and African American descent, while his mother is Filipino, with family roots in Ilocos who later moved to Hawaii. Clark was named after Kihei, Hawaii, the town where his father proposed to his mother.
He tried soccer and martial arts as a child before focusing on basketball at age eight, inspired by his father, who had played the sport at the NCAA Division II level for Hawaii–Hilo. He grew up watching National Basketball Association stars Steve Nash and Chris Paul, and played youth travel basketball for Kings Academy in the Conejo Valley under coach Adam Mazarei, a future NBA assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies. Clark also shared a childhood friendship with actor Cameron Boyce.
For middle school, Clark attended the Buckley School, a K-12 private school in Sherman Oaks, where athletic director Byrd Newman-Milic suggested he could already start for the varsity basketball team. He later transferred to William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills, where he finished his high school career.
Path to Basketball
Clark’s competitive path began at the Buckley School, where he averaged 15.2 points and six assists per game as a freshman in 2014-15, leading the team to the CIF Southern Section Division 4A semifinals. He earned All-Liberty League honors in that debut season. The following year, after transferring to William Howard Taft, he posted averages of 12.1 points and 6.9 assists, earning team MVP and all-conference recognition.
His junior year at Taft marked a leap forward, with averages of 18.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, along with team MVP, all-city, and all-conference accolades. During that season, he set a school record with 22 assists in a single game. In the summer of 2017, he was named MVP of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Peach Jam after guiding the Oakland Soldiers to a title, a performance that elevated his national profile.
As a senior in 2017-18, Clark averaged 19.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 2.9 steals while shooting 41 percent from three-point range, finishing as a consensus three-star recruit. After briefly committing to UC Davis, he reopened his recruitment and signed with Virginia on October 2, 2017, also considering Gonzaga and UCLA.
Kihei Clark Career
Early Career at Virginia (2018-2020)
Clark debuted for the Virginia Cavaliers on November 6, 2018, recording four points and six assists in a 73-42 win over Towson. He posted a season-high 12 points against Notre Dame on January 26, 2019, and matched that mark in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2019 NCAA tournament against Oregon. Against Purdue in the Elite Eight, his 40-foot pass set up Mamadi Diakite’s buzzer-beating shot that forced overtime in an 80-75 win.
On April 8, 2019, Clark helped Virginia capture the national championship over Texas Tech, finishing his freshman year with averages of 4.5 points and 2.6 assists across 38 games. The following season, he set a new career high of 15 points against Vermont and delivered a late three-pointer to beat Virginia Tech, earning Third Team All-ACC honors at the end of the regular season.
Virginia Cavaliers Continued (2020-2023)
Clark returned to anchor Virginia’s backcourt in subsequent seasons, becoming the program’s all-time leader in assists. On February 23, 2022, he set a new career high of 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting in a loss to Duke, recording his 500th career assist in the same game. As a senior in 2022-23, he was named Honorable Mention All-ACC.
Across five seasons with the Cavaliers, Clark added Third Team All-ACC recognition in 2023 and a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team, finishing his college career as one of the most productive playmakers in program history.
Wisconsin Herd Era (2023-2024)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Clark signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on October 19, 2023, but was waived two days later. On October 30, he joined the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League, opening his professional career in the Bucks’ developmental system. He spent the 2023-24 season with the Herd before moving overseas.
Kumamoto Volters Era (2024-2025)
On July 29, 2024, Clark signed with the Kumamoto Volters of the Japanese B.League, taking his game to Asia for the first time. On December 13, 2024, he was placed on the injured list, and on February 10, 2025, he and the Volters mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
Mexico City Capitanes Era (2025)
On February 10, 2025, Clark joined the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League, returning to North American professional basketball following his release from Japan. He suited up for the Capitanes during the 2025 campaign.
Kortrijk Spurs Era (2025-Present)
On November 15, 2025, Clark signed with the Kortrijk Spurs of the BNXT League, marking his latest chapter in European basketball. Wearing number 13, he continues to operate as a lead guard and primary playmaker for the Belgian-based club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Clark is recognized as a pass-first point guard with elite court vision, finishing his Virginia career as the program’s all-time assists leader. His defensive instincts earned him ACC All-Defensive Team honors, while his three-point shooting, developed through years of dedicated work, allows him to space the floor. His basketball IQ and steady late-game decision-making remain his calling cards.
Notable Events and Milestones
Clark’s defining moment came in the 2019 Elite Eight, when his full-court pass to Mamadi Diakite forced overtime against Purdue on the way to a national title. He also set a Taft High School record with 22 assists in a single game and reached his 500th career college assist during his final season with Virginia.
Kihei Clark Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Clark is the oldest son of Malik and Sharon Clark and has two younger brothers, Nalu and Shaka. His father played college basketball for Hawaii–Hilo and later ran a construction and trucking company. His mother is of Filipino descent, with family ties to Ilocos and Hawaii.
Off the court, Clark has kept his personal life largely private, focusing publicly on his basketball career and family ties. His multicultural background, including Chinese, African American, and Filipino roots, has shaped his identity as a global professional player.
2025 Season Performance
Clark’s 2025 calendar year has been defined by constant movement between leagues. After mutually parting ways with the Kumamoto Volters in February, he immediately joined the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League, where he looked to regain rhythm and showcase his playmaking at the developmental level. His stint with the Capitanes provided a platform to log meaningful minutes and reinforce his resume as a veteran guard.
On November 15, 2025, Clark signed with the Kortrijk Spurs of the BNXT League, opening a new chapter in Belgium. The move gave him an opportunity to lead a European club’s backcourt while continuing to expand his professional footprint across multiple continents. Early indications suggest he will serve as a primary ball-handler and floor general for the Spurs.
Looking ahead, Clark’s 2025 outlook centers on establishing stability with the Kortrijk Spurs and contributing to their push in the BNXT League. With experience across the NBA G League, the Japanese B.League, and now European competition, he brings a mature, well-rounded skill set to his latest team.