Gary Clark Named To AAC All-Rookie Team
By Chris Bains
Cincinnati Bearcats freshman power forward Gary Clark has been named to the ACC All-Rookie Team, when it was announced today.
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In his first year at UC, Clark’s been a sensation. His 7.9 points per game is fourth on the team and 6.9 rebounds per game trails only Octavius Ellis. Plus the way he’s handled himself in over 27 minutes of work each outing has been impressive.
Usually true freshmen cave under the pressure of starting and earning so much court time. It also takes them several games to adjust to the speed and size of college players. Not so for Clark. From game one, he’s been a rock at the 4, complimenting Ellis in the front court, and providing the Bearcats another weapon around the basket. Cincinnati’s not a particularly strong rebounding team this season but Clark has been one of the bright spots in that area.
The million dollar question at this point is if his efforts will earn him AAC Rookie of the Year honors. Clark was certainly in the race a month and a half ago, with his 7.3 rebounds per game leading all AAC freshmen. But Clark’s production on the boards has deteriorated a bit, with UConn’s Daniel Hamiltion pacing the way in this area.
I guess we’ll just have to wait until Thursday afternoon to find out!