http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=PreDraftTour-090518

In the article linked above, Chad Ford lists Earl Clark as one of his three "enigmas" heading into the 2009 NBA Draft, which will be held on 25 June at Madison Square Garden.

After reading the excerpt below, I imagined a weary Pitino mentoring a nervous Earl Clark over the phone in the wee hours of the night before his workout: "Listen Earl...here's what you do...when you're done with the workout, go talk to one of the scouts...ask them how you can improve...then look at them in the eyes and say "I just want to get better"...trust me, Earl, it'll blow them away. Heck, Chad Ford might even hear about it and include it in his next ESPN article that questions your heart."

Earl Clark, F, Jr., Louisville (ranked No. 11 in our [ESPN] Top 100)

 

Clark is also an enigma, but in a different way. He has all the physical tools to be a superstar.

The question about Clark always has been about heart. Does he want to do what it takes to be a great NBA player? And can he maintain that effort throughout an 82-game season?

Here's one anecdote from his workout that suggests he might be able to pass the test. After a workout, Clark sought out an NBA executive who was watching the workout with me that day. Clark introduced himself, then asked the executive, "What did you think of my workout?"

The executive gave the standard "you looked good" answer. Then Clark asked his follow-up.

"No, what I want to know is, what do I need to work on? How do I improve? I'm just trying to get better."

The executive said he couldn't remember, in all his years of scouting, a prospect coming up and asking that question.