Jaylen Clark Explained

Jaylen Clark
Position:Shooting guard
Height Ft:6
Height In:4
Weight Lb:205
League:NBA
Team:Minnesota Timberwolves
Number:22
Birth Date:13 October 2001
Birth Place:Riverside, California, U.S.
High School:
College:UCLA (2020–2023)
Draft Year:2023
Draft Round:2
Draft Pick:53
Draft Team:Minnesota Timberwolves
Career Start:2023
Years1:–present
Team1:Minnesota Timberwolves
Years2:2023–present
Team2:→Iowa Wolves
Highlights:

Jaylen Bryce Clark[1] (born October 13, 2001[2] [3]) is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins of the Pac-12 Conference, earning national honors as both the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and NABC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior in 2023, when he was also voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. A two-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team selection, Clark was named second-team All-Pac-12 as well that year. He was selected by the Timberwolves in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Early life and high school career

Clark was born in Riverside, California.[1] His father, who played one season of basketball at Modesto Junior College, was an elite perimeter defender. Clark attended Centennial High School in Corona for three years before transferring to Etiwanda High in Rancho Cucamonga for his senior year.[4] [5] Under Etiwanda coach David Kleckner, a defensive specialist, he developed into a two-way player who played unselfishly.[6] [7] Clark averaged 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game at Etiwanda, and led the Eagles to the CIF Southern Section Open Division regional finals.[1] [8] He signed a national letter of intent to play with UCLA in 2020.[9]

College career

In his freshman year at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2020–21, Clark was a reserve and averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in nine minutes per game for the Bruins.[10] He made the game-winning free throw in an 80–79 win over Arizona State at home in Pauley Pavilion.[10] [11] In the 2021 NCAA tournament, UCLA unexpectedly advanced to the Final Four. Clark helped lead a 14-point comeback in the First Four with a layup, a pair of assists, and an offensive rebound in an 86–80 overtime win over Michigan State.[12] [13] He had a season-high nine rebounds in 18 minutes in an overtime victory over second-seeded Alabama in the Sweet Sixteen.[1] [10]

As a sophomore in 2021–22, Clark missed six games in January and February due to multiple concussions. Playing off the bench, he was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.[14] He averaged 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game.[15] In the nine games in which he played 20 or more minutes, Clark averaged 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds.[16] In February, during a three-game span versus Washington State, Washington, and Arizona State, he averaged 19.7 points, making 3 of 8 on 3-pointers, and added 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals.[17] [14] According to UCLA head coach Mick Cronin, "With consistent minutes, you’re going to see him produce a lot more on the offensive end".[14]

Clark became a full-time starter in his junior year in 2022–23 after Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard departed.[15] [18] In the Bruins' season opener, he scored 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting and had seven steals in a win over Sacramento State.[19] In the regular season finale against Arizona, he suffered a right Achilles tendon rupture and was ruled out for the 2023 Pac-12 tournament.[20] [21] The top-seeded Bruins advanced to the tournament finals, before losing 61–59 to No. 2-seed Arizona.[22] UCLA, who was vying for a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA tournament,[22] received a No. 2 seed in the West Region, but Clark was ruled out for the season.[23] He underwent surgery three days after the injury. The Bruins lost in the Sweet Sixteen to Gonzaga, with an injured Adem Bona also missing the game for UCLA.[24] Clark averaged 2.6 steals per game during the season, which led the Pac-12 and ranked fourth in the nation. One of the top defensive players in the country,[25] he won the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the National Association of Basketball Coaches named him their defensive player of the year.[26] Voted the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, he was selected again to the conference's all-defensive team, and was also named second-team All-Pac-12.[27] Clark significantly improved on offense and became UCLA's second-leading scorer.[18] He nearly doubled his scoring from the previous season,[25] averaging 13.0 points, six rebounds and 1.9 assists in 30.5 minutes over 30 games.[18] [28] After the season, he declared for the NBA draft. The timetable for his recovery was estimated to be 8–10 months.[26] [29]

Professional career

Minnesota Timberwolves (2023–present)

Clark was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft with the 53rd overall pick.[30] On July 7, 2023, he signed a two-way contract with the Timberwolves,[31] and aimed to return to play around the middle or late in the season.[32] On March 28, 2024, he was transferred to the Iowa Wolves of the G League for rehab.[33] Clark played in the 2024 NBA Summer League, his first games since he tore his Achilles.[34]

Career statistics

College

|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2020–21| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA| 31 || 0 || 9.0 || .500 || .200 || .750 || 2.4 || .2 || .1 || .2 || 2.5|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2021–22| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA| 29 || 6 || 18.1 || .506 || .259 || .542 || 3.8 || 1.0 || 1.1 || .2 || 6.7|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23| style="text-align:left;"| UCLA| 30 || 29 || 30.5 || .481 || .329 || .698 || 6.0 || 1.9 || 2.6 || .3 || 13.0|- class="sortbottom"| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career| 90 || 35 || 19.1 || .490 || .302 || .661 || 4.1 || 1.0 || 1.3 || .2 || 7.4

Source:[35]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jaylen Clark. UCLA Athletics. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312112848/https://uclabruins.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jaylen-clark/11337. live.
  2. Web site: Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Bruins' guard Jaylen Clark!. October 13, 2022. UCLA Men's Basketball. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312115705/https://www.facebook.com/UCLAMensBasketball/posts/10160127746803749/?comment_id=786721099329337. live.
  3. Web site: John. Hollinger. Hollinger: Suns' Jae Crowder trade dilemma; Grizzlies' and Pacers' deadline decisions. January 23, 2023. The Athletic. subscription. March 12, 2023. Finally, Clark is at a point where his age starts to work against him since he’s already a junior, albeit a relatively young one who won’t turn 22 until October.. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312115652/https://theathletic.com/4114833/2023/01/23/jae-crowder-suns-trade-nba/. live.
  4. Web site: Former Etiwanda High School star Jaylen Clark helps UCLA achieve thrilling 80-79 victory. February 22, 2021. Fontana Herald News. March 11, 2023. March 11, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230311164943/https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/sports/former-etiwanda-high-school-star-jaylen-clark-helps-ucla-achieve-thrilling-80-79-victory/article_2c70dd24-7568-11eb-b31b-83ae5c6c4acf.html. live.
  5. Web site: Jacob. Polacheck. Jaylen Clark to UCLA. February 5, 2020. Zagsblog. March 11, 2023. March 11, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230311164943/https://www.zagsblog.com/2020/02/05/jaylen-clark-to-ucla/. live.
  6. Web site: Shotgun. Spratling. Etiwanda's Jaylen Clark growing into player UCLA basketball wants. February 6, 2020. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312095625/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-02-06/etiwanda-jaylen-clark-growing-into-player-ucla-basketball-wants. live.
  7. Web site: Ben. Bolch. Jaylen Clark could be just what UCLA's sagging defense needs. January 19, 2021. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312095628/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2021-01-19/jaylen-clark-ucla-bruins-basketball-defense. live.
  8. Web site: Adam. Grosbard. UCLA men's basketball announces additions of Jaylen Clark, Kentucky transfer Johnny Juzang. April 15, 2020. The Orange County Register. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312080514/https://www.ocregister.com/2020/04/15/ucla-mens-basketball-announces-additions-of-jaylen-clark-kentucky-transfer-johnny-juzang/. live.
  9. Web site: UCLA adds 2 guards, including Kentucky transfer Juzang. April 15, 2020. The Seattle Times. The Associated Press. March 11, 2023. March 11, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230311164942/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/ucla-adds-2-guards-including-kentucky-transfer-juzang/. live.
  10. Web site: Ben. Bolch. UCLA basketball player Jaylen Clark is releasing his own cryptocurrency called $JROCK. September 9, 2021. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312104610/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2021-09-09/jaylen-clark. live.
  11. Web site: Michelle. Gardner. UCLA slips past ASU on Jaylen Clark free throw with 1.4 seconds left. February 20, 2021. Arizona Republic. March 12, 2023. March 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230328012555/https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2021/02/20/ucla-slips-past-asu-jaylen-clark-free-throw-1-4-seconds-left/4529010001/. live.
  12. Web site: Ben. Bolch. Honestly, UCLA's basketball recruits crave the truth about reaching their potential. June 9, 2021. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312111414/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2021-06-09/uclas-basketball-recuiting-honesty-mick-cronin. live.
  13. Web site: Garrett. Stephen. Everything Mick Cronin said after UCLA's 86-80 OT win over Michigan State in First Four. March 19, 2021. 247Sports. March 12, 2023. March 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230328012559/https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/Mick-Cronin-UCLA-Bruins-basketball-Michigan-State-Spartans-NCAA-Tournament-March-Madness-162659084/#162659084_5. live.
  14. Web site: Seth. Davis. The questions at UCLA, where Amari Bailey and a studded freshman class bring hope. September 14, 2022. The Athletic. subscription. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312083329/https://theathletic.com/3591159/2022/09/14/ucla-amari-bailey-freshman/. live.
  15. Web site: David. Cobb. Jaylen Clark injury: UCLA guard out for season after hurting Achilles as Bruins lose key defender. March 8, 2023. CBS Sports. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312090146/https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/bracketology-three-no-1-seeds-in-action-on-selection-sunday-with-ncaa-tournament-bracket-set-to-be-revealed/. live.
  16. Web site: Jon. Rothstein. The Breakfast Buffet: Louisville's brutal opener, Jaylen Clark, Kansas may not be traditional Kansas. College Hoops Today. November 9, 2022 . March 11, 2023. March 11, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230311170148/https://collegehoopstoday.com/index.php/rothstein-files/the-breakfast-buffet-louisvilles-brutal-opener-jaylen-clark-kj-adams/. live.
  17. Web site: Ben. Bolch. Jaylen Clark is fulfilling a promise that has bolstered No. 12 UCLA. February 23, 2022. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312094040/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2022-02-23/jaylen-clark-is-fulfilling-a-promise-which-has-impacted-no-12-ucla. live.
  18. Web site: Scott. Thompson. UCLA loses starting guard for March Madness with Achilles injury: reports. March 8, 2023. Fox News. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312090149/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jaylen-clark-ucla-loses-starting-guard-march-madness-achilles-injury-reports. live.
  19. Web site: Tarek. Fattal. UCLA hosts Long Beach State with Jaylen Clark as a not-so-secret weapon. November 10, 2022. Los Angeles Daily News. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312080517/https://www.dailynews.com/2022/11/10/ucla-hosts-long-beach-state-with-jaylen-clark-as-a-not-so-secret-weapon/. live.
  20. Web site: Jeff. Borzello. Sources: UCLA's Jaylen Clark (Achilles) out for rest of season. March 9, 2023. ESPN. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312072433/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/35813516/sources-ucla-jaylen-clark-achilles-remainder-season. live.
  21. News: Matt. Brooks. Nuggets host Timberwolves with chance at clinching playoff spot. March 29, 2024. NBA.com. March 30, 2024.
  22. Web site: Ben. Bolch. UCLA falls to Arizona in Pac-12 title game, hurting chances for a No. 1 NCAA seed. March 11, 2023. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312062213/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2023-03-11/ucla-mens-basketball-loses-to-arizona-pac-12-recap. live.
  23. Web site: Ben. Bolch. March Madness: UCLA's seniors ready for their last chance to dance. March 12, 2023. Los Angeles Times. March 12, 2023. March 13, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313034918/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2023-03-12/ucla-basketball-ncaa-tournament-seeded-second-west-regional. live.
  24. Web site: Ben. Bolch. Jubilation turns into heartbreak as UCLA loses to Gonzaga again in NCAA tournament. March 23, 2023. Los Angeles Times. March 24, 2023. March 24, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230324053531/https://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/story/2023-03-23/ucla-basketball-gonzaga-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-recap. live.
  25. Kevin. Sweeney. Jaylen Clark's Season-Ending Injury Is a Crushing Blow to UCLA's Title Hopes. March 8, 2023. Sports Illustrated. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312093021/https://www.si.com/college/2023/03/08/ucla-jaylen-clark-bruins-injury-tournament-hopes-march-madness-run. live.
  26. Web site: Ben. Bolch. Jaylen Clark becomes UCLA's first Naismith defensive player of the year winner. April 2, 2023. Los Angeles Times. April 2, 2023.
  27. 2022-23 Pac-12 Men's Basketball All-Conference honors and Annual Performance Awards, presented by Nextiva. March 7, 2023. Pac-12 Conference. March 7, 2023. March 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230307170507/https://pac-12.com/article/2023/03/07/2022-23-pac-12-mens-basketball-all-conference-honors-and-annual-performance. live.
  28. Zach. Koons. UCLA's Jaylen Clark Out for Season With Achilles Injury, per Report. March 8, 2023. Sports Illustrated. March 12, 2023. March 12, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230312083330/https://www.si.com/college/2023/03/08/ucla-guard-jaylen-clark-injury-achilles-season-report. live.
  29. Web site: Ben. Bolch. March 29, 2023. UCLA's Jaylen Clark declares for the NBA draft despite serious leg injury . March 29, 2023 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
  30. Web site: Tarek. Fattal. NBA draft: UCLA's Jaime Jaquez Jr. goes to Heat at No. 18 overall. Los Angeles Daily News. June 22, 2023. June 23, 2023.
  31. Web site: Timberwolves Sign Jaylen Clark to Two-Way Contract. NBA.com. July 7, 2023. July 7, 2023.
  32. News: Chris. Hine. Timberwolves overcome slow start in 102-88 victory over New Orleans Pelicans in summer league. July 7, 2023. Star Tribune. October 26, 2023.
  33. News: Timberwolves' Jaylen Clark: Heads to G League for rehab. March 30, 2024. CBS Sports. March 30, 2024.
  34. News: Chris. Hine. Jaylen Clark's standout defense and other observations from Timberwolves summer league. October 24, 2024. The Minnesota Star Tribune. October 24, 2024.
  35. Web site: Jaylen Clark College Stats. Sports Reference. March 14, 2023. March 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230314100055/https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jaylen-clark-1.html. live.

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