HE’S been doubted his whole career, but Illawarra Hawks star Rotnei Clarke says that just fuels the fire as he prepares for another tilt at the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks later this month.
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The former NBL MVP and reigning sixth man of the year will head to Dallas on June 18 to participate in Mavericks mini-camp where he’ll aim to earn a spot on their Summer League roster.
It follows a stellar return season with the Hawks and another impressive stint with VL Pesaro in the Italian Serie A where he averaged 19.5 points per game at healthy 47% from three-point range.
Clarke was part of a Portland Trail Blazers mini-camp two years ago but told Hawks.com.au that he’s grown as a player since then.
“I feel like playing in Australia got me prepared for Italy,” Clarke told the Hawks website.
“I took the momentum [the Hawks] and I had into Italy and felt like I played well and did the job they called me in to do.
“It was a blessing from God to be able to play in two awesome countries like Australia and Italy in one year and I’m looking forward to the opportunity with Dallas.
“It’s a great opportunity and I look forward to showing them what I can do even though I have been doubted a lot. I feel like I always have something to prove.”
The Hawks took up the option on the second-year of Clarke’s deal after he averaged 18 ppg from the bench while he led the league in made three-point shots.
Hawks fans will no doubt be hoping he returns for their team’s 2017-18 campaign but coach Rob Beveridge said Clarke will head to the US with the backing of the whole organisation.
“Rotty had an amazing finish to the year and continued his great form in Italy,” Beveridge said.
“We think its an amazing opportunity that he has been identified to head over to Dallas to show what he can do. We wish him all the best during his time with the Dallas organisation.”
Clarke will be joined by fellow NBL stars Majok Majok and new Perth Wildcat Corey Webster in Dallas.