Getting to know...Middle Tennessee State F Alysha Clark
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Alysha Clark averaged 28.3 points per game during her senior year at Middle Tennessee State.
Bradley Lambert/MT Athletic Communications
For Middle Tennessee State forward Alysha Clark, the downtime between her college playing days and the days leading up to the 2010 Draft provide little time to relax. In fact, you�re more likely to see Clark in a gym shooting around than on a couch waiting to hear her name called.
�I have been working on my three-point shot; set, in transition, off a pick and pop,� Clark said in an interview with WNBA.com. �I've also been working on my one-on-one moves from the perimeter and getting better on my ball handling.�
That certainly sounds like the attitude you�d expect from the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year (two times over no less). So it shouldn�t come as any surprise to learn that Clark is already preparing for some extra challenges that await her on the pro level.
�I think having to go from the mindset of family and fun to the mindset of it's a business and it�s going to be a challenge is something I need to think about,� said Clark. �I�m focused on adjusting to the pace of the game and finding out what will set me apart or make me unique.�
In a recent conference call with WNBA.com, ESPN analyst and former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo commented on Clark's game. "She's a talented player. I think the question is her size," said Lobo. "She�s 5�10� and she�s been playing in the post and in the WNBA, 5�10� is too small to play in the post. She has shown a face-up game, but that�s where the transition is going to have to happen for her.
Clark is coming off a senior year at MTSU where she posted a team best 28.3 PPG while shooting an impressive 61% from the field. The 2009-10 season was by far her single best performance in the two years spent at MTSU that followed her transfer from Belmont. Clark was forced to sit out 07-08 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but jumped right into the mix of things in 08-09, averaging 27.5 per game by season�s end.
Fast. Smart. Versatile. Those are all words that help identify Clark�s game. For those who may have been on hand for the 2010 Sunbelt Championship Game, �clutch� may be another. As seconds ticked down, the scored tied at 68, Clark banked the game-winning shot with just 1.8 seconds remaining to lead the Blue Raiders to their sixth championship in eight appearances. Clark ended the game with 48 points, a Sun Belt Tournament single-game record.
�That was my best on-court moment,� said Clark of her game-winning shot. �It was the most important play of my college career.�
Alysha Clark�s Top 10
1. What do you like to do to relax off the court?
I like to eat, sleep and read.
2. What are our hobbies or primary interests outside of basketball?
I LOVE to shop! I also like to model!
3. How would others describe you?
Other people would definitely describe me as silly, caring, and honest.
4. What is your favorite food?
I LOVE mexican food!
5. What if your favorite color?
My favorite colors are purple and pink.
6. What is your favorite movie?
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the old one).
7. What is your favorite TV show?
America's Next Top Model.
8. Who is your favorite actress?
Julia Roberts
9. Who is your favorite actor?
Denzel Washington
10. Who is your favorite musician/artist?
Alicia Keys
�I have been working on my three-point shot; set, in transition, off a pick and pop,� Clark said in an interview with WNBA.com. �I've also been working on my one-on-one moves from the perimeter and getting better on my ball handling.�
That certainly sounds like the attitude you�d expect from the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year (two times over no less). So it shouldn�t come as any surprise to learn that Clark is already preparing for some extra challenges that await her on the pro level.
�I think having to go from the mindset of family and fun to the mindset of it's a business and it�s going to be a challenge is something I need to think about,� said Clark. �I�m focused on adjusting to the pace of the game and finding out what will set me apart or make me unique.�
In a recent conference call with WNBA.com, ESPN analyst and former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo commented on Clark's game. "She's a talented player. I think the question is her size," said Lobo. "She�s 5�10� and she�s been playing in the post and in the WNBA, 5�10� is too small to play in the post. She has shown a face-up game, but that�s where the transition is going to have to happen for her.
Clark is coming off a senior year at MTSU where she posted a team best 28.3 PPG while shooting an impressive 61% from the field. The 2009-10 season was by far her single best performance in the two years spent at MTSU that followed her transfer from Belmont. Clark was forced to sit out 07-08 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but jumped right into the mix of things in 08-09, averaging 27.5 per game by season�s end.
Fast. Smart. Versatile. Those are all words that help identify Clark�s game. For those who may have been on hand for the 2010 Sunbelt Championship Game, �clutch� may be another. As seconds ticked down, the scored tied at 68, Clark banked the game-winning shot with just 1.8 seconds remaining to lead the Blue Raiders to their sixth championship in eight appearances. Clark ended the game with 48 points, a Sun Belt Tournament single-game record.
�That was my best on-court moment,� said Clark of her game-winning shot. �It was the most important play of my college career.�
Alysha Clark�s Top 10
1. What do you like to do to relax off the court?
I like to eat, sleep and read.
2. What are our hobbies or primary interests outside of basketball?
I LOVE to shop! I also like to model!
3. How would others describe you?
Other people would definitely describe me as silly, caring, and honest.
4. What is your favorite food?
I LOVE mexican food!
5. What if your favorite color?
My favorite colors are purple and pink.
6. What is your favorite movie?
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the old one).
7. What is your favorite TV show?
America's Next Top Model.
8. Who is your favorite actress?
Julia Roberts
9. Who is your favorite actor?
Denzel Washington
10. Who is your favorite musician/artist?
Alicia Keys