While it’s not exactly a comparison that will have rivaling Hawks’ fans too enamored, Gaze couldn’t help but sing praise for the American guard following his side’s five-point overtime triumph on Sunday afternoon. 

“Rotnei is a freak,” Gaze said.

“Some of the shots he makes, reminds me a little bit of [Shane Heal] and a bunch of people we have seen over the years we he come in and shoot it out of space and you just feel like it is going in.” 

Clarke’s hot shooting helped Illawarra take a 23-19 early advantage on their home floor.

He’d finish with 21 points for the match after experiencing a quieter second half as the Kings’ ramped up their focus on the former NBL MVP at both ends of the court. 

“We were trying to go at him to make him play down the other end in the second half so maybe that helped us as well,” Gaze said.

“Our offence helped us guard him.

“But he is a superstar. I love watching him. I love his game.

“We felt good that we were able to keep him to 21 points and it’s not very often you say that.”