Long Beach State’s Clark Is Injured

A tough preseason became harder Thursday for Long Beach State when Greg Clark, a prized freshman forward, dislocated his left shoulder, coach Wayne Morgan announced.

Clark, 6 feet 7 and 210 pounds, suffered the injury Wednesday in practice at the Pyramid. His left arm became entangled with a teammate’s while they battled for position.

Clark, the highest-rated 49er recruit in 20 years, was competing with sophomore D’Cean Bryant for a starting job. He scored only seven points in 37 minutes of two exhibition games--49er losses--but drew praise from coaches for his intelligence and court awareness.

Standout junior guard James Cotton, who suffered a rib injury Oct. 27 and missed the exhibition games, returned to practice Wednesday and vows to play in the season opener Monday against Wyoming at the Pyramid.