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How Jack Clark's new starting role helps Clemson basketball go on win streak
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- How Jack Clark's new starting role helps Clemson basketball go on win streak
CLEMSON – Coach Brad Brownell has found Clemson basketball 's secret sauce, and it has helped the Tigers win three consecutive games.
The name? Jack Clark.
Clark, an NC State transfer, replaced sophomore forward Chauncey Wiggins in the lineup on Feb. 6 against North Carolina and has aided the Tigers to their longest win streak since starting the season 9-0.
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"He brings a lot of physicality, and he's just an older, experienced player," Clemson guard Chase Hunter said. "He'll go in and get 10 rebounds. He'll hit a three when we need it. He'll lock up the other team's best wing."
In Clemson's 77-60 victory vs. Miami on Wednesday night at Littlejohn Coliseum, Clark stuffed the stat sheet, logging eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two assists. During the Tigers' win streak, Clark is averaging 6.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
"(Clark) just helps with matchups," Brownell said. "When we need to play smaller, he can play some four. … (He) changes our team a little bit."
Clark's 6-foot-10 frame adds another lengthy veteran who can play multiple positions given the opposing team's lineup. His ability to play the forward and center positions allows Clemson (17-7, 7-6 ACC) to mix and match lineups.
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Clark played the first six games of the season, starting three of those, before missing 10 games because of a groin injury. He returned Jan. 16 against Georgia Tech, but had to regain his confidence and stamina to become a consistent contributor.
"Just staying in the course, listening to coaches and always (having) my team by my side to just keep me up when I was pretty much out half the year," Clark said.
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Since Clark was inserted into the lineup, Clemson is tied with Duke for the second-longest active win streak in the ACC — behind only Pittsburgh, which has won four in a row. The Tigers have been in close games during their win streak.
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The Tigers' win at UNC has ignited them, and there's no coincidence it happened when Clark returned to the starting lineup. They are creating real momentum to make the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time under Brownell.
The next test? NC State (15-9, 7-6 ACC), Clark's former team.
"It's going to be fun seeing everybody I used to play with last year — coaches and players — so it's gonna be a great game," Clark said.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson basketball on win streak since Jack Clark became starter
