Bye-bye Earl; Clark to the NBA

University of Louisville sophomore forward Earl Clark has decided to forego his remaining two collegiate seasons to enter the NBA draft and pursue a career in professional basketball.

During the Cardinals' NCAA Elite Eight tournament run, Clark averaged a team-leading 14.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and blocked seven shots while hitting 62.2 percent of his shots (23-of-37). An NCAA East Region All-Tournament selection, Clark produced a double-double in 10 games this season, the latest of which was 17 points, 12 rebounds, four blocked shots and two assists against Tennessee in the East Region semifinals.

"Earl has decided to place his name in the draft and pursue a professional basketball career," said U of L Head Coach Rick Pitino. "We wish him nothing but the best."

In helping the Cardinals to a 27-9 record and second-place BIG EAST Conference finish, Clark averaged a team-high 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots and added 11.1 points per game. A 6-9 forward from Plainfield, N.J., he was selected to the all-tournament team at the Las Vegas Invitational.