The legendary Kobe Bryant said, "Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success."
And that’s the type of attitude I have seen from my latest check-in, 6-foot-7 swingman Julius Clark of Birmingham, AL.
Clark had a few ups & downs during his junior season, but I believe he’s hit an entire 360, approaching the game with an entirely different mindset. Just from appearance, he seems to be in much better shape, and one can certainly tell that he’s hit a new gear with that motor of his.
He seemed more locked in this summer, and spectators have continued to rave about this kid on and off the court. People cooled off of Clark heading into his junior season, but I think he took this summer to remind people that he’s one the best in the state.
The Grind Season
Clark finished his travel season with Pro One, leaving a great last impression at the UAA Finals in Chicago.
“My travel season went very well,” Clark said. “Sadly, it was my final travel season, but I feel like I made the very most out of every opportunity.”
This summer, Clark took the time to fall in love with the game of basketball, smile, and enjoy the experience.
“When you just play basketball for the rewards; instead of playing for the love, you tend to get caught up and to feel down on yourself when certain things don't go your way,” he said.
Clark runs the floor extremely well and has improved greatly on his athleticism during the summer. He has solid footwork around the post and has a smooth touch around the rim. Clark has really shown growth with his shooting from the mid and beyond the arch.
“I have seen tremendous growth in my game during most of the regular season last year due to an injury,” Clark said.
“I stopped taking the game for granted and began to work harder than ever; I have seen growth in my jump shot and being able to blow by defenders to get to my mid-range/ floater game,” he added.
Clark recently picked up an offer from the University of Alabama - Huntsville and has gained interest from other programs such as Tennessee Tech, Penn, Lipscomb, and Alabama A&M
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