Clark ready for physicality

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer import Cameron Clark isn’t shying away from the higher level of physicality he expects now that the PBA Governors Cup playoffs are moving into the semifinals and said yesterday composure is critical in staying focused on the court.

“It’s gonna be extra chippy but my teammates got my back,” said Clark. “I know guys will try to get under my skin. We’ll miss JuneMar (Fajardo), he’s a willing passer, he can score down low and stretch the floor. But we’ve got enough pieces. Mo (Tautuaa) and Vic (Manuel) are stepping up. Rob (Herndon) is back. C-Ross’ legs are getting better. Jericho (Cruz) comes off the bench smoking and Cio (Lassiter) is our steady outside shooter. Simon (Enciso) keeps us together. We’re ready to go.”

Clark isn’t bothered by the fact that in his first PBA tour of duty with NLEX, the Road Warriors were eliminated by Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra in the previous Governors Cup semifinals. Clark is now with a different team but will face Ginebra again in the semifinals. He’s not thinking of unfinished business or Brownlee as a nemesis. Clark said he has a lot of respect for Ginebra but “I’m here to compete.” He added, “Justin’s a great player, he’s been over here a while and he’s won championships but I’ll do whatever it takes to win ... I’m looking forward to the semis, Ginebra has good chemistry and a lot of good players but we have a great team, too and we’re ready to go.”

Throughout the conference, Clark has taken only two three-point shots and is averaging 30.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 39.1 minutes over 12 games. He’s hitting 58.8 percent from the field and 81.6 percent from the line. “It’s about being efficient,” he said. “I can shoot the three but I’d rather get to my spot and hit the higher percentage shot.” Clark said he’ll leave the outside sniping to gunners like Lassiter, Enciso and Cruz. On San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent’s comment that he could be the team’s resident import, Clark said why not? “You never know,” he said when asked about the possibility of naturalization. “I love the PBA, I love the Philippines, I love the people, I love the fans. But right now, my focus is winning this championship.”