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Wednesday, May 3, 2000

Stanley leaves
Rainbows for pros

The 6-9 junior outside hitter
plans to play in Puerto Rico

By Dave Reardon
Star-Bulletin

Clay Stanley sounded like a typical young person leaving college for the so-called real world -- with a sense of adventure and an equal dose of uncertainty.

Most don't have news conferences to talk about it. But most aren't potential volleyball Olympians, either.

"Plans? I'm going to Puerto Rico for awhile to play and get some international experience," Stanley said yesterday, after announcing his decision to forgo his senior season at the University of Hawaii."After that I'll call (national team coach) Doug Beal. I'm thinking of going up and working out with them.''

Stanley, a 6-foot-9 outside hitter, downplayed that many consider him a big part of the future of U.S. men's volleyball. He trained with the team last summer.

"I would think Clay figures big in their plans," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "He's probably real big on their minds for 2004."

The U.S. National Team will likely assign Stanley to a pro league in Europe to continue his development. Stanley is not expected to make the 2000 Olympic team.

UH assistant coach Tino Reyes said Stanley's potential is unlimited.

"If he dedicates himself for the next four years, he has a chance to become one of the best players in the world," Reyes said. "Not too many guys 6-9 can hit as hard and jump as high."

There has long been talk about Stanley leaving school to pursue pro and Olympic careers.

"I want to play volleyball now while I'm young and injury-free,'' said Stanley, who is about a year away from graduating. "I need to concentrate on volleyball and finish school later.''

Wilton said he will miss Stanley, but that the player made a good decision.

"We're real grateful for our experiences with this guy," Wilton said. "He was big and raw when he got here, but the progress he's made is tremendous. His level of dedication grew every season."

In three seasons, Stanley amassed 998 kills (10th all-time for UH). He is sixth all time in kill average (4.52), fifth in service aces (89) and second in ace average (.403).

He said he is following whatever destiny the next level of the sport leads him to. First, it's to Puerto Rico, where former Rainbow Jorge Perez will make him feel at home.

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http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu