It’s only been weeks since Earl Clark officially became part of the PBA but his short career so far in the league has been eventful to say the least, especially with the series of coaching changes NLEX had heading into the Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-8 NBA veteran had a "crazy" start to his PBA career having gone to three head coaches in three weeks span, after being tapped by former NLEX mentor Yeng Guiao first before the coaching reins was handed over to interim coach Adonis Tierra and eventually to Road Warriors new head coach Frankie Lim.
To make things even more ironic for Clark, he provided stellar numbers of 26 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks and four steals in his first game to help NLEX beat Rain or Shine and Guiao – the same coach who brought him into the Road Warriors.
“I was joking with somebody on our team. I had three coaches in three weeks so I never had that before but it was crazy,” said Clark.
“We want to get the win. Everybody on the team had great things to say about the coach over there. They love him but we just want to take care of business and win tonight,” he added.
As expected with Guiao on the other side of the court, the Elasto Painters knew how to contain Clark, especially in the first half when the Road Warrior found themselves down by as many as 12 points after the NLEX import was forced to sit down with three quick personal fouls.
“I just try to stay aggressive. I had three fouls unfortunately in the first five minutes, they did a good job scouting in the first half. I felt they were clogging the lane, they know I can get past my man and I have to figure out how to drive without charging,” said the NBA veteran.
Good thing, though, Clark quickly adjusted to the referees' calls and managed to anchor the NLEX defense without fouling in their second half pull away.
“When I first got back to the game I was thinking too much about going to the basket but it’s a different league, they call it different. I just have to adjust. Just to stay focused and keep going aggressive.”