Melbourne United Multicultural Stories: Ian Clark

No matter where Ian Clark is playing, he always holds a special place for his home of Memphis, Tennessee.

Growing up alongside older sibling Chris, Ian honed his craft going against his big brother, with the often significant size disparity helping to form the NBA and NBL champion into who he is today.

“I can remember younger days growing up with my older brother just playing outside, bringing our goals to the curb, playing in the streets,” he said.

“Him and my older cousins, we had a ritual on Sundays where we’d always play after church. 

“He’s six-years older than me, so at the time he was way bigger but it kind of roughed me up, toughened me up a little bit and paved the way to be where I am now.”

Away from basketball, Clark’s connection to Memphis extends to the dinner table, with the mouth watering offerings cooked by his mother still a favourite of the 32-year-old.

“The food… I love hot wings, barbeque. I've kind of changed my diet a little bit so I don’t eat it as much as I’m used to but I still get it when I go back home.

“My mum cooked almost every day, but for sure on the weekends, she’d cook up something and for sure have the kitchen smelling good when we got home from church or school.

“Her mac and cheese, it’s still the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had.”

Despite having spent the past five years playing abroad, Clark ensures at the end of each season he carves out time to return to his hometown and take in the culture that is unique to Memphis.

“The culture and the vibes back home, it’s so unique from the way we dance, the way we talk, our slang, I definitely miss it when I’m abroad.

“I make sure especially when I get back from being overseas or wherever I’ve been playing that I get a nice stint back at home to be with my family and to get that vibe again.”

Once he departed the NBA, where he played 371 games, the sharpshooter’s craft took him to China and Australia.

While incredibly different countries and cultures, Clark makes sure to take in his surroundings wherever he is and use his basketball journey to learn more about the world.

“The term ‘use basketball, don’t let it use you’, I’ve tried to hone in on that,” he explained.

“Especially my older years, being able to go to China and play there and experience their culture and then come to Australia… obviously they’re two different places that are unique in their own way and to indulge in that and say that I’ve been there and experienced it is pretty cool.”

Clark will take to the court representing Memphis on Sunday afternoon as part of The Multicultural Game from 2pm at John Cain Arena.

Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you get in quick to secure your seat to one of Melbourne United’s most anticipated days of the year.