Arkansas' Clarke beyond an efficient scorer
Posted: Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:33 PM
Filed Under:
SEC, Scoring outbursts
When Jodie Meeks torched Tennessee for 54 points last season, I figured I’d never see a more efficient performance.
Less than a year later, Arkansas’ Rotnei Clarke blew that to shreds. Note to self: Avoid such statements in the future.
Clarke, a 6-foot sophomore, drilled 13 three-pointers – and SEC record – and finished with 51 points in the Hogs’ 130-68 win against Alcorn State on Friday. It was one of those games where even Clarke came away slightly amazed by his night.
"I just felt like every time I shot it, it was going in," Clarke said. "I guess it was just one of those zones."
No kidding.
His numbers were 15 of 21 from the field, hit 13 of 17 three-pointers and 8 of 9 free throws. That’s a 97.7 eFG% and 2.018 PPWS. For comparison, Meeks was 90.9 eFG% and 1.885 PPWS. Meeks put on his show against much better competition, but still. Those are video game numbers.
Before the season, FOXSports.com’s Jeff Goodman called Clarke’s the nation’s top shooter, notably because ex-Razorbacks coach Stan Heath once saw Clarke hit 25 straight shots from beyond the arc and 94 of 100 overall.
Safe to say, other teams will be checking Clarke. Often.
Alert readers are now checking if Alcorn State is on their team’s schedule. The Braves gave up 100 points and a triple-double to Ohio State last week. Stopping Evan Turner – the game’s best all-around player a future NBA lottery pick – is one thing. But how could they not double-team Clarke? Arkansas suspended five players before Friday’s game, so it wasn’t like the Hogs had many options.
"The way he was shooting the 3s, I don't see how you can possibly lose him," Alcorn State coach Larry Smith said. "We failed to get him covered."
What’s Kansas going to do to them?
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