Earl Clark to declare himself eligible for Draft

by Mike Rutherford on Apr 5, 2008 2:26 PM EDT in News

Louisville sophomore forward Earl Clark will declare for the NBA Draft, according to sources close to the program.

The versatile 6-foot-9 New Jersey native, who averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds this season, is still uncertain whether he'll sign with an agent.

One source told FOXSports.com that Louisville coach Rick Pitino received a first-round assessment from an NBA general manager.

One NBA executive told FOXSports.com on Friday night that Clark is a clear-cut first-rounder and could move his way into the lottery with strong workouts.

Clark came on strong late in the season, scoring in double-figures in each of the last five games. He scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the Sweet 16 victory over Tennessee.

Clark has until June 16 to withdraw his name.

I think we all knew this was coming, but "declare for the NBA draft" makes it sound a bit more definitive than it actually is. Earl is going to declare himself eligible, go to all the pre-draft camps, see where he's likely to be drafted, and then make a decision from there. T-Will is going to do the same thing.

If either one is told that they are a lock to be drafted in the first round, then none of us can blame them for bolting, and I think that this will ultimately be the situation with Clark.

These next couple of months are going to be interesting.

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even tho we had to see it coming

it doesn't take away the sting. E's definitely a first rounder. Hopefully Twill stays.

by ericdedwar on Apr 5, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions

yeah, i agree, eric

you know they are going to go if Pitino states that they will stay

he does it to try to stop it before it happens

but it didn't work with Cisco

and it will seldom work nowadays (Florida surprised me)

hell, i'd go too, if they projected me first round

by frankpos on Apr 5, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

scholarship

I am Rick's lack of surprise

by UL is my hot hot sex on Apr 5, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

Uh...

...this looks like he's GONE:

http://uoflsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040508aab.html

Fark. He could have been so dominate next year.

by CardsFan922 on Apr 5, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Goode.....

Does anybody know if he'll be eligible to step in next season??? I hate to see E5 go - it was really turning into a monster. I hope TWill doesn't bolt too....

Linda

by Linda on Apr 5, 2008 10:35 PM EDT reply actions