Clavontae Brown’s basketball persistence shines through his international career that spans multiple continents, even after going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft. The 6’3″ guard from Flint, Michigan, born on August 23, 1991, has built an impressive career in three countries.
His basketball dreams remained strong despite the draft disappointment. Brown’s talent emerged during his time at St. Andrews Presbyterian, where he delivered an outstanding NCAA performance on December 4, 2012, scoring 18 points with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in a single game. His graduation from Benedictine University at Springfield in 2015 marked the beginning of his global basketball experience. Brown’s skills took him to the United Kingdom and USA, and he now plays for GIE Cibao Immortals in the Dominican Republic.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Flint, Michigan
Clavontae Brown’s basketball experience began in Flint, Michigan, a city that breathes basketball. He was born on August 23, 1991, in a community where basketball meant more than just a sport – it opened doors to new chances. Flint’s basketball legacy was already legendary. Northwestern High School’s back-to-back state championships in 1984 and 1985 set Michigan high school basketball records with an amazing 55-1 two-year record that stands today. This rich basketball culture shaped Brown’s connection to the game from his earliest days.
Brown stood 6’2″ and weighed 185 pounds as he developed his game. His early years in Flint during the 2000s let him witness local stars who made it to Division I programs and the NBA – a tradition Northwestern High started decades ago.
High school basketball at Northwestern Flint
Brown chose Northwestern Flint High School, graduating in 2009[62]. He followed the path of successful Northwestern alumni. The school’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse came from stars like Jeff Grayer, Glen Rice, and Andre Rison.
Brown spent his high school years developing his skills as a guard. This laid the groundwork that would launch his professional career later. Though detailed stats from his high school days aren’t accessible, his college opportunities showed his exceptional talent during these key years.
Early signs of talent and ambition
After high school, Brown balanced academics and basketball. He got his associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Oakland Community College. He then moved to Benedictine University at Springfield to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications.
His entrepreneurial side emerged when he created “Talent Over Politics Sports” – an organization that trains and mentors overlooked athletes. This project revealed his deep understanding of young players’ struggles to find opportunities. “Talent Over Politics also known as TOP is organized to helped athletes that are overlooked get a opportunity to get a free education or reach there dreams professionally,” Brown explains.
His work creating paths for others showed more than just basketball talent. It revealed his leadership skills, mentoring abilities, and passion to give back to the sport that shaped him.
College Years and Development
Playing for St. Andrews Presbyterian
Clavontae Brown started his college basketball story at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in the 2012-2013 season. His brief time there gave everyone a glimpse of the talent that would lead him to an international career later. Brown was 21 when he first stepped onto the court for the Knights. He brought all the skills he learned in Flint to the college level.
Key performances and stats
Brown left his mark in a memorable NCAA game against East Carolina Pirates on December 4, 2012. He put up impressive numbers with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. The team lost 111-59 on the road, but Brown’s individual performance stood out.
His shooting that day showed his scoring talent. He made 8 out of 14 two-point shots (57.1%) and didn’t miss at the free-throw line, making both attempts. Brown grabbed 5 offensive and 2 defensive rebounds in his 30 minutes of play.
The stats tell an impressive story – his efficiency rating hit 22 for this game. This showed how much he contributed even though his team lost. Brown set personal bests in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and efficiency during this game.
Challenges faced during college career
Brown’s college path had its share of changes and challenges. He moved from St. Andrews Presbyterian to Benedictine University at Springfield, where he graduated in 2015. This switch meant adapting to new systems, coaches, and teammates.
Available stats show only a few documented games. This might mean Brown had trouble getting consistent playing time or dealt with injuries. In spite of that, he pushed through these challenges and earned his degree in Mass Communications. He kept chasing his basketball dreams too.
His college years might not show up much in stat books, but they prepared him well enough. Brown went on to play professional basketball in several countries, including the United Kingdom and Dominican Republic.
Professional Journey Across Borders
Playing in the Dominican Republic and UK
Clavontae Brown started a global basketball trip that took him to three different countries after his college career. The Flint native expanded his career beyond the US by playing in the United Kingdom and Dominican Republic. This move to international basketball marked a key turning point in his career.
Joining GIE Cibao Immortals
Brown joined GIE Cibao Immortals of the Dominican Republic’s Liga de Campeones (LDC) in 2023 and still plays there in 2025. The team hit its peak during his time there as the Immortals won the 2025 LDC title by beating Max 100-84 in the championship final. His performance in the 2025 United Cup was solid with averages of 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in five games.
Adapting to international playstyles
The 6’3″ guard showed he could adapt well to different styles of basketball. Brown shot 45.0% on two-pointers and 66.7% from the free-throw line during the 2025 United Cup. His standout game came against Crocs on January 9, 2025. He put up 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and blocked 1 shot in 25 minutes. Brown’s defense made an impact too – he grabbed 10.4% of his team’s steals.
Notable teammates and team dynamics
Brown shares the court with talented players Victor Torres, Angel Rivas, Moises Peralta, Ameth Gil, and Milosevic Rivera at Immortals. Head coach Jermaine Barnes has built a winning culture that led to their championship. The title-clinching game saw amazing performances from Clarence Tillman, Ameth Gil, and Angel Rivas who each scored over 20 points. Tillman took home the Finals MVP award. This strong team environment helps Brown grow his game on the international stage.
The Numbers Behind the Rise
2025 United Cup performance breakdown
Clavontae Brown’s statistical profile shows a player who exceeds simple box scores. Brown suited up for 5 games with the GIE Cibao Immortals during the 2025 United Cup. He played 119 total minutes, averaging 23.8 minutes per game. His tournament averages stood at 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Brown shot the ball well inside the arc with 45.0% accuracy on two-pointers but struggled from three-point range (0.0%). He made 66.7% of his free throws.
Career highs and standout games
Brown delivered his best United Cup showing against Crocs on January 9, 2025. He put up 15 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and blocked 1 shot in 25 minutes. His collegiate career peaked on December 4, 2012, while playing for St. Andrews Presbyterian against East Carolina. The 13-year old performance saw him score 18 points, snag 7 rebounds, add 2 assists, and collect 3 steals. This stellar outing earned him a career-best efficiency rating of 22.
Advanced stats and efficiency ratings
Brown’s advanced statistics reveal his complete game contributions. He factored in 8.6% of his team’s total points during the United Cup. His defensive impact proved even more effective as he generated 10.4% of the Immortals’ steals. Throughout the tournament, he maintained a steady efficiency rating of 7.0.
Per 40-minute impact analysis
Brown’s numbers look more impressive when projected over extended playing time. His per-40-minute averages reached 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals. The efficiency rating climbed to 11.8 per 40 minutes, showing his knowing how to stay productive with more court time.
Breakdown by wins, losses, and venues
Game situations substantially affected Brown’s performance. He scored 6.0 points in home games but raised his output to 9.5 points in away matchups. The team’s success often mirrored his scoring—Brown averaged 9.8 points in wins compared to 5.0 points in losses. The Immortals posted a strong 4-1 record with him in the lineup during the tournament.
Conclusion
Clavontae Brown’s basketball trip shows his incredible perseverance and determination. He went undrafted in 2014 but refused to give up on his dreams. Instead, he built an impressive international career spanning three countries. His story proves how setbacks can become opportunities that lead to unexpected success.
This Flint native has left his mark with the GIE Cibao Immortals and helped them win the 2025 LDC championship. Brown’s game has evolved as he adapted to different leagues, coaches, and playing styles across continents. His impressive stats – 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per 40 minutes – showcase his versatility on the court.
Off the court, Brown’s “Talent Over Politics Sports” creates new paths for overlooked athletes. This project stems from his deep understanding of young players’ challenges and his desire to give back to basketball, the sport that shaped him.
Basketball enthusiasts worldwide admire how Brown turned his original disappointment into global success. His path inspires athletes facing similar challenges. Though he never made it to NBA rosters, Brown built a meaningful professional career through resilience, hard work, and steadfast dedication to the game.
The story of this rising basketball star grows with each game. Brown’s continuing success reminds us that sports careers often take unexpected turns—and persistence wins in the end.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Clevante Brown and what is his basketball background? Clevante Brown is a rising basketball star from Flint, Michigan. He played college basketball at St. Andrews Presbyterian and Benedictine University at Springfield before pursuing a professional career internationally in the UK, USA, and Dominican Republic.
Q2. What are some of Clevante Brown’s notable achievements? Brown has played professionally in three countries and is currently with the GIE Cibao Immortals in the Dominican Republic. He contributed to the team’s 2025 LDC championship and averaged 8.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the 2025 United Cup tournament.
Q3. How has Clevante Brown’s performance varied in different game situations? Brown’s performance has shown interesting variations. He averaged 9.5 points in away games compared to 6.0 points at home. In team victories, he averaged 9.8 points, while in defeats, he averaged 5.0 points, highlighting his impact on the team’s success.
Q4. What challenges has Clevante Brown faced in his basketball career? Despite going undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, Brown persevered and built an international career. He faced challenges during his college years, including transfers between institutions and potential struggles with consistent playing time or injuries.
Q5. How is Clevante Brown giving back to the basketball community? Brown established “Talent Over Politics Sports,” an organization dedicated to training and mentoring overlooked athletes. This initiative aims to help athletes secure opportunities for free education or pursue their professional dreams in sports.