Uluc offers Clark contract update

While refusing to place Gary Clark’s re-signing with the Illawarra Hawks in the realms of impossibility, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc believes it is “unlikely” the import forward returns to the club for NBL25.

Clark starred for the Hawks in his debut NBL campaign last season and earned an All-NBL First Team nomination as he led the side off the foot of the ladder into the post-season.

He reportedly turned down interest from other NBL clubs to sign with Illawarra last season, and Uluc says the club and player still remain some ways apart in figuring out a new contract.

“Every day that passes makes me think it’s not happening,” Uluc said on The Marketplace. “The money was just too high.

“There are still some within that organisation who are confident it will get done, but I’ve been told by enough people within that organisation who are not confident it’ll get done, with each passing day it seems more and more unlikely it will happen. 

“Not that it won’t happen, but it seems unlikely.”

At the time of writing, only Tasmania has secured its full import trio for the upcoming campaign, following Tuesday’s signing of guard Craig Sword, and Peter Hooley believes Clark could play a role for a number of sides across the competition, should the opportunity arise.

Perth has been vocal in its desire to bring in a sharpshooting wing and a capable big with its remaining import and Next Star positions, while contracted Melbourne power forward duo Jack White and Luke Travers are both likely to pursue NBA opportunities.

“There are some other teams that might have a bit more cash, so if I’m an Illawarra fan I’d be worried,” Hooley said. “He just seemed to suit Justin Tatum, the way his style of play was, and he shone in NBL24. It would be tough to see that happen, but it’s a professional business.

“This is based on nothing I’ve heard, I’m just trying to put pieces together with teams that might have more money.

“We talk about what the Wildcats need, that could change things there if they’ve got some money. What happens with Jack White and Luke Travers if they go down and aren’t coming back for Melbourne United, if Mitch Creek doesn’t come back for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, if Jonah Bolden is going to be played at the five for the Breakers.”

Uluc also suggested the Adelaide 36ers could utilise someone with a similar skillset to Clark.