NBA Draft Blog Interview with Bill Clark

The D-League is filled with many stories, some inspiring, some filled with many missteps. After a college career is done, there are many other options beyond the NBA to play, though it isn’t always an easy road. Those who persevere often come out much tougher than when they started, and that can make them more appealing back in the United States. To get there though, a player may have to deal with many issues overseas, from new cultures and languages, to a different style of coaching, and in what has become a bigger problem, not getting paid for their work.

In only three professional seasons overseas, Bill Clark has been through a lot already, including the non-payment issue, but he has emerged as a better player and a stronger person.

For former Duquesne star Clark, the road so far has not been an easy one, even if it may look like it on the court. “During the season, things were good,” said Clark, who has played overseas in France, Turkey, Cyprus, and Ukraine. “I became more well-rounded and extended my horizons with the experiences in different places, but some have left a sour taste in my mouth.”

With his name now in the D-League draft scheduled for Saturday, November 1^st, Clark sees a new opportunity waiting for him. “I had never really considered the D-League before,” Clark explained. “I had wanted to go to Europe after college and expand my game, and learn different style of basketball. Now, I see the D-League as another chance to continue my growth.”

Maturing as a player and a person has been the key to Clark’s success so far, though he admits there have been some bumps along the way. At Duquesne, Clark and his coach, Ron Everhart, had some issues which led to a suspension his junior year. “Me and Coach Everhart had trouble seeing eye-to-eye on things,” said Clark. “I take responsibility for much of what happened, and it really helped me start to learn with all the different personalities that make up a team. I found how important it is for a coach and player to be on the same page and to be coachable.”

Clark’s senior year at Duquesne ended up being his best college season, averaging over 16 points and 6 rebounds per game, while hitting 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range. He followed that up with an impressive performance at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, and though he went undrafted, he was noticed.

In his three seasons in Europe, Clark has impressed, showing the scoring and defensive abilities that that teams crave. Clark has noticed the evolution of his game during his time in Europe and thinks it has prepared him for his next step.

“At Duquesne, I was more of a catch-and-shoot and transition scorer. Now I have a more well-rounded game, and a lot of that is due to the European style of play. I’ve had to play multiple positions with my teams. It was a big wake-up call though playing in Europe. There is always a lot of pressure on Americans there to prove themselves.”

Still, Clark sees how his game has grown and how he will be able to help his next team from what he has learned. “It will always be my shooting and defense that will carry me, possibly to the NBA,” said Clark. “I bring toughness and I’m an emotional leader. I bring that every day, and being a team player, I want that to extend to my teammates and getting them involved.”

As he prepared for his next journey, Clark has been home in Los Angeles polishing his game with trainer Wayne Slappy, and he has spent time training in Pittsburgh with trainer Pete Strobl. After talking with Clark, he is ready to show what he can do for his next team. “I’m ready to bring my game every day,” Clark said.

Though the D-League is often seen as a stepping stone to the dream of the NBA, Clark sees things a bit differently. “My dream has been fulfilled,” Clark said. “I have gotten the chance to play the game I love. My dream is to continue that.”