Jason Clark: Bringing the Intangibles to UVa

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Feb. 13, 2002

Freshman forward Jason Clark brings a plethora of intangibles to Virginia. Although he does not light up the stat sheet, his presence on the floor sparks the run and gun style of the Cavaliers through rebounding and blocked shots on the defensive end of the floor. Since head coach Pete Gillen inserted Clark into the starting lineup against Clemson, Virginia has gotten off to fast starts. On February 10, the Cavaliers were leading Clemson 20-11 before Clark was replaced. In Virginia’s win over North Carolina Tuesday, Clark helped Virginia open a 19-7 lead to start the game. In just 15 minutes of play against the Tar Heels, the Virginia Beach native tallied eight points and six rebounds.

“He’s very important,” said senior tri-captain Roger Mason, Jr. “Jason defensively has been great…hitting the boards, doing all the dirty work, setting picks. For us to win, we are going to need Jason, just like we need everyone else.”

Clark’s increased playing time has allowed him to gain a greater sense of cohesion with his teammates.

“Getting experience out there on the court makes me more comfortable,” Clark said. “I’m just trying to learn from my mistakes and making sure that I don’t do them again.”

In fact, Clark credits Chris Williams for the recent development of his game.

“He is one of the captains here and like me, he can play the four or the three [position on the court],” Clark said. “I’m just learning from him and he’s giving me tips both offensively and defensively. So that’s going to help me out in the future.”

As bright as Clark’s future may be, Virginia fans have already learned he is a winner. When asked what intangibles he brings to the Cavaliers, Clark proclaimed, “Intensity…Energy…doing what it takes to win.”