Darion Clark says he will leave USC basketball team
USC’s Darion Clark (0) reacts with teammates Elijah Stewart (30) and Chimezie Metu after scoring a late basket against Arizona State on Jan. 7.
Darion Clark will not play for the USC basketball team next season, the forward said on Thursday.
Clark, who transferred from Charlotte as a freshman, played two seasons with USC. This season, Clark dislocated his right shoulder twice and missed eight games total.
Clark averaged a modest 11 minutes per game but was one of USC’s best rebounders at 4.6 rebounds per game.
The Trojans struggled in his absence. They went 19-7 when Clark played and 2-6 when he didn’t, including a season-ending loss to Providence in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
USC is expected to return all five starters next season. That, combined with a three-man recruiting class and the addition of Shaqquan Aaron, a transfer from Louisville who will be eligible next season, means playing time could be scarce for USC’s reserves.
Forward Malik Martin also confirmed that he would be transferring on Wednesday.
Clark said he plans to graduate. If he does, NCAA rules would allow him to transfer without forfeiting his final season of eligibility. Clark said he does not yet know his future plans.
Twitter: @zhelfand
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