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Clark becomes more vocal, and his play grows by volumes

The first time Rick Pitino heard it, he was shocked. Terrence Williams called it "kind of weird."
About a month ago, Earl Clark started talking during University of Louisville basketball practice. Shouting encouragement, directing teammates and even, as Williams put it, "cussing people out."

Quiet, reserved and almost shy by nature, the sophomore forward finally came out of his shell. About the only one who wasn't surprised was Derrick Caracter, his childhood buddy from New Jersey.

"I've known Earl a long time, so I've seen that side of him," Caracter said. "He's growing up and becoming a leader."

As Clark has gotten more vocal in practice, his play has roared during games. He's the leading scorer and rebounder over the past six games for the Cardinals, averaging 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 61.2 percent. He scored 29 total points in the first two NCAA Tournament games and should be a big key on Thursday against Tennessee in the East Regional semifinals.

Clark has compiled quite a highlight reel in the past month: dunks in traffic, rebounds snatched above the rim and suffocating traps on defense.

"He's such a threat on both ends of the court," center David Padgett said. "He's one of the best rebounders in the country when he pursues the ball like he has been."

Talent's never been an issue for the 6-foot-9, 220-pound Clark. He's probably U of L's best NBA prospect. His maturity level, on the other hand, wasn't exactly lottery-pick material, which is a main reason Pitino and Clark's parents agree he needs another season in college.

But Pitino said that, in the past month, Clark "has really grown up emotionally." The most outward signs came out of his mouth.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080325/SPORTS02/803250512/1028


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