Clark Could Play Christmas Eve

Adelaide 36ers new import Ian Clark touched down at Adelaide Airport this morning and is itching to get on the court with the South Australian side as soon as Christmas Eve.

Clark signed with the 36ers earlier this week, and assuming he gets through training tomorrow, the 31-year-old wants to make an instant impact in front of his new home crowd on Saturday night.

“Possibly, I’m going to see how practice goes tomorrow and obviously try to get some legs under me,” Clark said when asked if he will play on Christmas Eve.

“I’ve been doing my own workouts but obviously five on five is different, so I want to be diligent about that.

“At the same time, I’m ready to get out there and get started.”

Clark is no stranger to the NBL spotlight after playing a key role for the Sydney Kings’ championship win last season. Having also played 330 games in the NBA, Clark’s experience and expertise could be a catalyst for Adelaide making a run at the title.

Clark expressed a fresh and positive vibe as he faced the media in Adelaide, and he is looking forward to bringing that energy to the court.

“I’m excited, obviously this has been brewing for a little while but finally got things done, and I’m glad to be up here and I’m excited to get started,” Clark said.

“Whatever role coach (CJ Bruton) has for me is what I’m ready to play.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Locked in ?<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Adelaide36ers</a> have confirmed the signing of NBL championship winning guard and NBA veteran Ian Clark for the remainder of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> <br><br>More here: <a href="https://t.co/EUEi6E2sRp">https://t.co/EUEi6E2sRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/fgBtXaGHGc">pic.twitter.com/fgBtXaGHGc</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1604944716750938113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Eager to use his voice when needed, and weary of when it is not, Clark is determined to help the 36ers climb up the ladder.

“Just try to incorporate myself where I’m needed, use my voice when it’s needed, and when it’s not needed be quiet, and just play basketball,” he said.

“I’m just trying to come in and be myself, I’m not going to do too much. Like I said I’m the new guy coming in.

“People got a little taste of what I’ve done in the league from last year, and that’s the same kind of energy I want to bring this year. I’m just here to compete. I love to play basketball, I love to play the game and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be here.”

Clark and the 36ers host the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday at 5:30pm AEDT.