Finding a rhythm: Clark's United front

Prior to his signing with Melbourne United, import guard Ian Clark had played two seasons in the NBL. Or, to put it more correctly, two half seasons.

The 32-year-old signed on with the Sydney Kings in February of their championship winning NBL22 season as an injury replacement for then injury struck centre Jordan Hunter. 16 games later, he was an NBL champion.

He then departed Sydney and the NBL, before linking up with the Adelaide 36ers as a replacement for Craig Randall II, and played 10 games in the City of Churches as they faltered in their post-season push.

Now, Clark has signed for Melbourne well ahead of the new season, and he thinks the ability to be with a club from Round 1 could prove to be a point of difference in his game this campaign.

Clark celebrates winning the NBL22 title with the Kings.

“For me, being able to start the season from the beginning will be a huge thing that people will be able to see on the court,” Clark told MU Media.

“In the past it had been kind of tough for me to find my rhythm. Right when I would get rolling, the season would be finishing up.

“It’s going to give me the best chance to be myself and to be the true Ian on the court. I hold myself to the highest standard, so to be able to settle myself and make sure this team and these fans are getting the best from me from Round 1 is the priority.”

The 361-game veteran isn’t lying when he says he was playing his best basketball in the NBL22 post-season.

Across his 21 total NBL regular season games he’s averaged 12.6 points per game, on shooting splits of 45.1 per cent from the field, 37 per cent from three and 86 per cent from the line.

In his five finals appearances with Sydney, those averages leapt to 16.2 points on 53.4 per cent shooting, 51.9 per cent from three and 100 per cent from the line.

Like that Kings side of two seasons ago, Clark is walking into an organisation that believes it has assembled a roster that is more than capable of challenging for the league’s top prize.

“Coming to a club like United, knowing the calibre and history of the organisation, I’m grateful for the opportunity,” he said. 

“Everybody wants to win, so to be able to put myself somewhere with a winning culture surrounded by guys who have won at the highest level in this league is awesome.

“We’re all working towards the same goal and we’re going to give ourselves the best chance to succeed this season.”