United add NBA, NBL Champion Ian Clark

Melbourne United is excited to announce that NBA and NBL Championship winning guard Ian Clark will join the team for the NBL24 season on a one-year contract.

A veteran of 371 NBA games, which included a 2017 Championship with the Golden State Warriors, Clark brings more elite level experience to what was already the league’s strongest local core.

Over the past two seasons, Clark has applied his trade to the NBL, having twice come in as a mid-season addition for Sydney and Adelaide respectively, winning a Championship with the former.

Across his 26 NBL games he has put together elite numbers, averaging 13.3 points on over 40% shooting from three-point range. During his time in the NBL, only two players have made as many three-pointers at as high a percentage.

Speaking to MU Media, Vickerman lauded Clark’s ability to produce jaw-dropping plays on both ends of the court.

“We really wanted high-level shooting, a level of creation to make others better and really solid defence which are all things Ian has showcased during his time in the NBL,” he said.

“There’s a clutch component to his game where we’ve seen what he can do in the biggest moments of games. He’s a guy that can just get hot. He’s got a streak in him that allows him to break the game open.” 

The Tennessee native showcased this game-breaking ability in the NBL22 postseason, where he averaged 16.2 points per game on 52% shooting from deep, while leading all players in plus/minus en route to a perfect 5-0 record.

Pairing with his on-court ability was the guard’s culture fit with United, with Vickerman adding he could not have been more highly recommended by those who have previously worked with him.

“When we were considering the age profile and shooting that we were looking for, we wanted an experienced combo guard who’s played at a high level around the world and Ian certainly ticks those boxes and gives him the best opportunity to be successful coming into our program.

“The references that we got from previous coaches, team managers, guys that have been around him in Australia were exemplary as a professional and as a person.”

Clark joins United’s other new additions including Luke Travers, Matthew Dellavedova, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Tanner Krebs, Flynn Cameron and Kyle Bowen.

The signing is sure to only raise the excitement levels within the Melbourne United fan base, who have already showcased their anticipation for the season by selling out all Premium, Gold and Silver full-season memberships.

Over 88% of memberships have already been exhausted, so if you want to make sure you’ve got your seat locked in for each and every United home game, become a member today.