Coming into high school at a mere 6'0, Jack Clark of Cheltenham High was overlooked by college coaches. By the time his junior year came around he grew to be 6'8 and was receiving offers from schools across the country. The 6'8 sharpshooting wing has battled some health issues thus far in his college career, but believes this year and the future of LaSalle basketball can be special. Jack joined me to talk about this upcoming season, for his team, as well as himself as we continue our series of interviews with division one athletes.
Q: “Hey Jack, thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at the Beef Up Front. How’s life been going in quarantine, and have you been able to still get in the gym to work on your game?”
A: “No problem, thank you for having me. But, life is boring honestly. I get into a gym with my trainer only three times a week, and in the weight room about three times too. This quarantine isn’t going to hold me back from working on my game.”
Q: “When you were a freshman at Cheltenham High, you were only about 6’0 tall. This led you to being under recruited and overlooked. You hit a growth spurt though which now has you at 6’8 and led to a big AAU season during your junior year which led you to becoming a nationally recruited process. Can you explain what that was like?”
A: “I was nervous honestly. I never was expected to be this tall, but once the height came and my skills got better I was receiving offers from literally everywhere in the country, and it was exciting, but also hard. Having a lot of coaches on my phone and talking to a different one everyday was exciting. Cutting my list down from about 40 schools to 5-10 was one of the hardest decisions I had to make besides actually choosing my school.”
Q: “After receiving multiple offers from very good programs throughout the country, you chose to stay close to home and play at LaSalle University. What went into that decision?”
A: “I just love to play in front of a home town school and the coaches and players were talking about some good things to me and just knowing my coaches had my back, and the team really loved me. It made my decision a lot easier than these other schools.”
Q: “As I touched on earlier, you were a guard your whole life and now you play more of a wing/forward role. How do you feel growing up as a guard has helped your game evolve as you transition into the body you currently have?”
A:”It really helped me a lot because I’m a 6’8-6’9 player who can play the point guard position if i wanted to, but I could always play the “4” too. So, just being a multi position guy on offense and defense is really helpful for me and my team.”
Q: “As a high school player you were regarded as one of the best sharpshooters in the area, and carried that over into your college career thus far. What are other things basketball fans should know about Jack Clark’s ability on the court?”
A: “I'm not just a shooter. I would label myself a three level scorer. being able to score in other ways then from the three ball. Just having the ability to pass and get others the ball too is a must in college. You can’t be selfish in college and think you're gonna win.”
Q: “After a solid freshman campaign where you averaged 10.6 points per game, you had to sit out last year due to a medical issue. Can you walk us through what you did to get yourself back and healthy to prepare for your redshirt sophomore season coming up this year?”
A: ”I re-tore my ACL a second time and I just got recently cleared May 16th. I’ve been working with a therapist five times a week with strengthen my quad and calf, and just running a lot to keep my wind up , and slowly doing this on the court so I don't lose that basketball movement.”
Q: “With your height, length, athleticism, and ability to knock down the three ball you are going to be a very attractive prospect in these next few years to NBA scouts. What do you think the key is going to be for you in order to play at the highest level?”
A: “I believe that just my height at a guard position will attract a lot of eyes, but being able to be a “3 & D” guard I believe is what they are looking for honestly.”
Q: “With guys like yourself, Clifton Moore, Christian Ray, David Beatty, and incoming freshman Jhamir Brickus, coach Ashley Howard has made it a point of emphasis to recruit players from the Philadelphia area. Being from this area yourself, what is the big selling point to recruits to get players to stay at home and play for the Explorers?”
A: “Just a hometown team and being able to play in front of family and friends. Also you aren’t coming to a team with strangers, you know half the people on the team, so a bond will be set before we even step on the court.”
Q: “What would you describe Coach Ashley Howard’s coaching style as?”
A: “Very up tempo and fast pace. This year we are going to have a different offense than last year and it is to get out and run. We just want to play very fast.”
Q: “It has been a few years since LaSalle has been an upper tier program in the A-10. What do you think that you, your teammates, and the coaching staff need to do to get back to the NCAA Tournament this year, and for the foreseeable future?”
A:”We just need to work together, listen to the coaches and just play every game and practice like it’s our last. We always have that underdog mindset since that’s what we’ve been for these last couple years.”
Q: “Thanks again Jack for taking the time to do this interview, I have one more question. What should basketball fans around the country expect to see from Jack Clark this year on the court? Best of luck going forward, and stay safe.”
A: “Thank you again! You just have to come to some LaSalle basketball games this year and see. I would rather you see us in person then just read about us. You’ll see just a hard working individual that wants to win and will try to help his team to the top of the A-10 and back to March Madness.”
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