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SALT LAKE CITY — Ian Clark officially joined the Utah Jazz on Monday and had a chance to talk to the media to tell his story. A story about work and just playing basketball.
Clark is an undrafted free agent who made his name in the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 33 points in the championship game. He is from small school Belmont, but doesn't use that to define him. Neither does his status as an undrafted player. He was passed over twice by every team, but he doesn't use that to fuel him, he just wants to play.
"Not really a chip, I just want to come out and play," Clark said. "I'm a competitor, I like playing. And I'm just going to come out and compete night in and night out."
In an age where everyone believes they are the best, Clark understood and essentially knew that he wasn't even going to get drafted. He knew there were a lot of areas of his game to work on and thinks he has improved since the draft. The Jazz picked him up and he was happy the work paid off.
It's like a dream come true, I was excited.
–Ian Clark on his signing
"It's like a dream come true, I was excited," Clark said.
Clark met with coach Tyrone Corbin on Sunday night as Clark came into town. They talked a little about what Corbin expects from Clark.
"We talked vaguely about it," Clark said. "Me not being a true point guard, being able to come in and play both positions, point guard and two guard. Being able to come in and utilize my shooting ability, but also being able to bring the ball up the court and get the guys into the offense."
Clark has been brought in as a shooter, but that isn't the only part of his game. He was actually the defensive player of the year in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"We didn't talk about it a lot, but it's definitely something I try to bring to this game," Clark said. "You can't play one side of the floor, especially in this league."
Every question for Clark at the press conference seemed to bring him back to his team and his teammates. Clark brought up how his goal in the Vegas summer league wasn't to come out and score 33, but to win. That was the goal for his team and what he wanted to do.
While he is from a small school he doesn't think that he is a "standard bearer" for small-school players. He wants to show that he can play at any level, but isn't worried about breaking down walls. He respects what players like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard have done.
Clark is a player who is excited to be in the NBA and on the Jazz. He said that he will do anything the team needs. When asked what shot he preferred he just said, "Whatever the team needs."
