Jaden McClanahan is in his first season as a graduate assistant on the Utah Valley men’s basketball staff. A former Wolverine standout, McClanahan returns to Orem after a four-year playing career at UVU from 2020–24.
McClanahan appeared in over 110 career games and helped guide Utah Valley to some of the most successful seasons in program history, including two WAC regular-season championships and multiple postseason appearances. As a senior in 2023–24, he played in 32 games with 24 starts, averaging 6.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. He reached double figures in scoring 10 times, including a season-high 19 points in a win over Seattle U. He also recorded an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double at Sam Houston and dished out a season-best 11 assists against Stephen F. Austin.
McClanahan helped the Wolverines to a 16-16 overall record and an 11-9 WAC mark in 2023–24. UVU won seven of its final nine games, including a Texas road sweep of Tarleton State and Abilene Christian, and posted a 4-2 record against in-state opponents.
Despite battling injuries during the 2022–23 campaign, McClanahan appeared in 20 games and contributed to Utah Valley’s record-setting 28-win season. The Wolverines won the outright WAC regular-season championship and advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) with wins at New Mexico, at Colorado, and vs. Cincinnati. UVU led the nation in road wins (12) and finished the season ranked No. 10 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top-25 poll.
McClanahan also played a role in Utah Valley’s 2020–21 WAC regular-season title and was part of a senior class that helped elevate the program’s national profile throughout his four years in green and white.
Prior to UVU, McClanahan played one season at Independence Community College (Kansas), where he earned Second Team All-KJCCC honors after averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game.
A native of Richmond, California, he prepped at Salesian High School, earning league MVP and all-tournament team honors. McClanahan earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Utah Valley and is currently pursuing a master’s degree while beginning his coaching career.
