Oklahoma City — Kansas State guard Denis Clemente says it doesn’t take much for him to stay motivated in basketball.

“In life, when I get out of college, I want to be somebody,” Clemente said Wednesday while sitting at his locker in the Ford Center. “That’s the way I think. That’s the way I look at it.”

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The 6-foot-1, 175-pound guard out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, knows he has plenty of folks counting on him back home.

“I always say I want to help my mom when I stop playing — I hope pro basketball one day,” Clemente said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s my inspiration, helping my family. I think that’s why I keep getting better and better.”

Conditions haven’t always been great for Clemente’s family in Puerto Rico. That includes his mother, Raquel Perez.

“The economy where we live, it’s not very good,” Clemente said. “I think one day, God’s going to give me the opportunity to do it (help my family), and I will.”

It’s been a growing process for Clemente, who is averaging 16.2 points per game this season for KSU. He admits he’s toned down his emotion on the court this season, knowing that’s what he needs to do to have the best chance at a pro career.

“Every day,” Clemente said, “I keep growing up.”

The senior said most of his family members will be watching today’s game against North Texas in their native Puerto Rico.

Clemente already can envision his mother’s face when he comes back to Puerto Rico after signing a pro contract.

“She’s going to be smiling. Crying. I know that,” Clemente said. “I’ve been working so hard for this.”