Clark could be another Brownlee

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer head coach Jorge Gallent isn’t discounting the possibility of making Cameron Clark a resident import like Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee in the PBA. Brownlee is on his 10th conference and fits within either the Governors’ Cup under 6-6 limit or Commissioner’s Cup under 6-10 cap. Clark stands 6-5 5/16 compared to Brownlee who is 6-4 5/8 so both are eligible for the two conferences.

“Cam fights like a Pinoy with a big heart,” said Gallent. “He’s coachable, unselfish, easy to get along with.” This conference, Clark has taken only two triples and is hitting 58.5 percent from the field, averaging 29.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 38.7 minutes in 11 games. Team manager Gee Abanilla said Clark’s versatility and attitude make him a perfect fit for the Beermen. “Cam spends time studying the game to complement the team,” said Abanilla. “He plays multiple positions, scores, rebounds, defends and is a do-it-all guy. He hardly shoots from three and would rather concentrate on his medium-range game and defense. What’s remarkable is his professionalism. He’s usually one of the first guys in practice and the last out. He leads by example. Could he be another Brownlee? I pray and really hope so.” Against NLEX last Wednesday, Clark dropped a conference-high 45 points to go with 17 rebounds and three assists as San Miguel won, 120-106.

Gallent said in the recent EASL Champions Week, Clark never gave up despite tough odds when June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross went down with injuries in the first game and second import Jessie Govan reported in poor shape after a one-year layoff. Clark had 25 points against Ryukyu and 35 against eventual winner Anyang KGC. In the tournament, he went 10-of-10 from the line.

Gallent said San Miguel got lucky when NLEX gave up its rights on Clark who played for the Road Warriors in the previous Governors’ Cup. Clark, 31, joined the LA Clippers and Milwaukee in the NBA Summer League after suiting up in four seasons with the University of Oklahoma. He has seen action in Italy, Israel, France, Turkey, Germany and Uruguay. Clark said the NBA player whom he’s closest to is fellow Oklahoma alum Buddy Hield. Among the other Oklahoma players in the NBA are Blake Griffin and Trae Young. In 2017, Clark played for the French ProA league champion team Chalon Sur-Saone.