Clark Impresses at Camp Raptors

by Matt Akler, raptors.com --- October 1, 2001

Through two days of training camp with the Raptors it appears the entire squad is part of a mutual admiration society.

Everyone is thrilled to have Hakeem Olajuwon here, they're all happy to play with Vince Carter and everyone loves Lenny Willkens. In the early days of training camp, glowing words like that are common for most teams. What is unique for this Raptors team is that they seem to really mean it.

One of the most impressive performers thus far in practices has been Keon Clark, almost a forgotten man with all the offseason moves of the club. His athletic ability and overall basketball skills were on display for all to see in camp and none were impressed more than Olajuwon, a 12-time All-Star.

"Keon kind of surprised me with how skillful he really is," said Olajuwon after Monday morning's session. "I knew he had a long reach but I'm happy to see his skill level. I'm very impressed by his style of play."

Clark himself is taking it all in stride and doesn't worry himself with the impending battle for court time at the power forward and centre positions.

"I'm not concerned as long as we're winning. If I contribute something to it, that's great but we just want to win," Clark said.

The lanky Clark, who appears to have the skinniest legs in the NBA, did not mesh well in Denver where he spent his first 2-1/2 years before being acquired by the Raptors last January.

"It's nice to play free and not look over your shoulder to worry if you're coming out. Everyone wants you to do well. It's good to be somewhere where you're wanted and this is what I thought the NBA would be like."

In 46 games with the Raptors last year Clark averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.39 blocks and finished 11th in the NBA with a season average of 1.90 blocks per game. He also set a Raptors record with 12 blocks on March 23 vs. Atlanta, the most by any player in the league in one game during the season.

Impressive numbers, but don't expect Clark to be gunning to push those numbers even higher.

"I don't have any specific expectations or aspirations as before, just to help the team do what it can," he added.

If Clark continues the work he's shown in camp so far, then he will indeed be a main contributor to the Raptors reaching their goals.