KOKOMO — Lafayette Jeff graduate Alonzo Clawson-Smith let the 5 a.m. training workouts with Oklahoma City guard Brooks Barnhizer, his older brother Braxton and his high school coach Mark Barnhizer speak for itself.
There wasn't a thought about being a true starting freshman at IU-Kokomo, an NAIA school. Clawson-Smith trusted an opportunity would present itself.
"My coaches all preseason had faith in me," Clawson-Smith said.
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Clawson-Smith scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished eight assists in his debut off the bench against University of Michigan-Dearborn on Nov. 1 and set the stage for what was to come.
Bigger things await for Clawson-Smith, the 2025 Journal & Courier Big Schools Player of the Year, who will play Division I basketball at Southeast Missouri State University. He recently signed wit the Redhawks out of the transfer portal.
At IU-Kokomo, he was named as a North selection to the first NABC All-Region Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Clawson-Smith averaged 19.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, shot 56.7% from the field, 36.1% from 3-point range and 78.1% from the free throw line.
"I fit in so well because of Barnhizer," said Clawson-Smith, referring to his high school coach's development. "There wasn't a time I didn't feel like I didn't belong and I feel like I did a good job of showing it out there."
Clawson-Smith was the leading scorer for IU Kokomo and showed he could score at all three levels. His vertical and strength attacking the rim improved.
"I don't know if I grew," Clawson-Smith said. "I just played bigger than I am, got more athletic. I was able to get up stronger, faster and jump a lot higher."
He was also durable and led the Cougars in minutes and points per game. Durability that drew college coaches to Clawson-Smith.
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"My goal was always to play Division I basketball but not preconceive that as something that was ordained and was supposed to be granted to me," Clawson-Smith said. ''I was Just grateful to play college basketball period. NAIA is nothing to scoff at. I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
Clawson-Smith once again deferred back to the training he received with the Barnhizer family along with Isaac Loechle, the Director of Player Development and Youth Basketball at Legacy Courts in Lafayette.
"It's definitely been great to have them," Clawson-Smith said. "Braxton especially has been big this whole year. He's been big in supporting me. I'm grateful for Brooks. Isaac Loechle has been big and helping me find a school."
The 19-year-old Clawson-Smith will make the next leap to Division I basketball and join SEMO. The program finished 20-13 during the regular season and third overall in the Ohio Valley Conference before it lost in its conference tournament semifinals to Morehead State.
SEMO has made two NCAA tournament appearances in 2023 and 2000 since becoming a Division I program in 1991.
"I'm going to a great coaching staff," Clawson-Smith said. "Playing March Madness would be one of the biggest dreams. I want to keep them as high and as efficient as possible."
Clawson-Smith reflected on things he learned in the classroom and his relationship with IU-Kokomo coach Eric Eichelbarger.