E5's Blog

Athlon Cover

2008-08-21T22:08:45Z

March Madness

2008-04-01T10:32:53Z

Hey everybody. Hope everyone and their families are doing well. How's school and Mr. Akbar?

Well March madness is in full swing. We won the first two game against Boise State and Oklahoma. I know those games looked like easy wins but there is a lot prep work involed in getting ready to play teams as good as Boise and Oklahoma. We spend hours watching films and practicing to get ready. We are playing good right now and have grown closer as a team. We all know when we work and prepare as a team it is hard to stop us from reaching our goal. Right now we are preparing to travel to North Carolina to play in the Sweet 16 against Tennessee on Thursday. Tennessee is a very tough team with very good players. We are looking forward to playing them and proving that we are a good team. I hope you guys get a chance to see the game I know the game is on late and you have school the next day.

I listed your questions that you had for me and the answers.

1. Why is your minutes being cut down?
Juan and I play the same position and once he came back off of his injury that took away some of my minutes, but it's all good it's all part of being on a good team.

2. Are you still "in the dog house" with your coaches?
Well I don't think I was ever in the dog house with my coaches but since my one game suspension things have gotten a lot better.

3. Will DC and yourself be back for the next season?
Right now I am focusing on the games ahead and finishing the season as strong as I can. As for DC is concerned, he will have to make the best decision thats right for him.

4. The Rahway High School team has won 21 games in a row this season, what do you think of that?
I think that's really great. I knew they were building a good team when they were on the JV team. They have managed to become a great team I wish them all the best next year.

5. Who is your favorite teammate?
I like all my team mates, Me and DC have been close friends since middle school in Jersey.

6. Who do you admire or give props to in college basketball?
I give props to DJ Augustine he's a guard at Texas University. I like the way he runs his team.

7. Have you spoken or visited with DADA?
Yes I have visited with Dada at North Carolina State. He is ranked #2 in his weight. He has the most pins in the history of the school. I probably talk to him almost every other day, he is doing well in class and on the mat.

8. When will you visit us?
Right now I need to finish out this year and get through the games ahead of us. Then I will be home and I can visit.

9. Do you hate any team?
Well I was brought up to never say the word hate. It's a strong word which is normally used out of anger to hurt someone. So I wouldn't say I hate any team, the word I would use is rivalry. The one team I would choose is Kentucky.

10. How good is Jersey Ball? How about Union County BBall?
I always said the best players come out of the Jersey areas so in saying that when you have the best players you have great basketball. Coming out of Union County, I know they still have a lot of great players and Rahway has proven that.

Thanks for the Tickets

2008-02-26T14:28:48Z

Earl,
Thank you for getting us the tickets for your game with Seton Hall. We were able to make some banners and take wonderful pictures of you and your outstanding team. We were able to send you some cards and letters from our class. We are now working on a book about you and your playing days at Louisville. We often discuss the games that we catch on TV with each other (the class). One kid said seeing Rick Pitino in his all white suit was his best memory! LOL! Now here are more questions that we would like to ask you:

Why is your minutes being cut down?

Are you still "in the dog house" with your coaches?

Will DC and yourself be back for the next season?

The Rahway High School team has won 21 games in a row this season, what do you think of that?

Who is your favorite teammate?

Who do you admire or give props to in college basketball?

Have you spoken or visited with DADA?

When will you visit us?

What is your chances in the Big East Tournament?

Do you hate any team?

How good is the Big East?

How good is Jersey Ball? How about Union County BBall?

Happy Birthday Earl

2008-01-17T01:21:55Z

Earl, remember your first basketball.....
Remember when Basketball was just all about the pleasure of playing the game.

Don't forget to keep having fun son and the rest will take care of itself.

Happy 20th Birthday and good luck tonight.

Happy 20th Birthday Earl

2008-01-17T00:41:10Z

Happy Birthday Earl, From your mom, sister and the rest of the family.

http://mye5cblog.com/2008/01/17/happy-20th-birthday-earl.aspx

Earl dribbling at age 6

2008-01-12T22:34:26Z

Earl in the park working on his handle at age 6. You could always find him bouncing a basketball trying to imitate any move he had seen. On this day he was working on putting the ball between his legs.

http://mye5cblog.com/2008/01/12/larry_clark_2008112211046flv.aspx

A New Year

2008-01-10T12:37:33Z

On Saturday I was suspended from the game against Kentucky for breaking a team rule. I just made a bad decision and had to pay the consequences. It does not matter what rule I broke the thing is I was wrong. When you have a team or family, rules are put in place for a reason. I apologize to the team, my family, friends and the Louisville fans that come out each game to see us play. I have to put this behind me and use it as a learning experience to make myself better. I will continue to work hard in class and in practice to reach the goals that I have set for myself. I will be back Thursday against West Virginia and look forward to being on the court and helping my team win.

Ok..... I know you guys have been waiting for me to answer the last two sets of questions you posted so here they are.

How is it being tall?

Earl:
Well I am 6’9” and it’s an advantage when you play ball. But buying clothes at times can be difficult or going into a room where you can’t stand a long time and people always say wow your tall but other than that it’s cool. I try to use it to my advantage I’m proud to be tall.

What are some good websites about you?

Earl:
I have a few listed on my blog. I am sure there are others if you type my name in and hit search you will find other sites.

Do you think your team will make it to the college finals?

Earl:
Yes I think we can make it all the way with hard work.

Did you like any other sports growing up?

Earl:
Yes I played Pop Warner Football for the Plainfield Vikings and I wore the same number 5. On offense I played wide receiver. On defense I played linebacker and slot-back.

What is your major?

Earl:
I am still undecided about my major. I still have a little time before I have to choose one.

Is basketball more important than your major?

Earl:
I have not decided on a major yet but if I had my major would be more important than basketball.

How does basketball compare to life?

Earl:
I approach them the same because I love basketball and I love life and I don’t take either one for granted.

What are your goals this season and be honest?

Earl:
My goals this season is play hard, play to win, stay focused and try to get a championship. I want to show people that I am the best forward in college basketball and I want to represent my state well.

How does it feel after a victory?

Earl:
It feels good like we have accomplished something and it’s another step to the finals.

How does it feel after a defeat?

Earl:
Disappointed, you reflect back on what went wrong.

What will it take to overcome the obstacles that you face so far this season?

Earl:
It’s going to take hard work, a good attitude and giving 100% on and off the court.

You were ranked as one of the best sophomores in the nation, how will you prove this correct?

Earl:
Just by going out and doing what I do every night and not giving up.

What do you love about road trips?

Earl:
You get to see other cities and states and you get a chance to be out with your team. It also gives you a chance to see where and how other people live.

What songs do you listen to before the games that you play?

Earl:
I really don’t have a main song I just listen to what’s on my ipod which is pretty much Jay-Z and Lil Wayne. My mom keeps trying to slip me some gospel.

What would you rather watch the Super Bowl or NCAA Basketball Championship?

Earl:
The NCAA Basketball Championship.

What non-family member helped you to become the player your are? How about the student you are?

Earl:
I would have to say my next door neighbor Larry DeCosie. He would always challenge me even when I came home from Louisville my first year it only made me better. One of my best friends Darion Caldwell out of North Carolina State helped me to become the student I am with hard work in the class.

What is your GPA?

Earl:
My GPA right now is 2.7 . I am working hard to improve that average in class.

Are you doing better now than when you were in high school?

Earl:
Yes I am doing very well in school. I learned to focus harder on what needed to be done in the class.

Number one E5 fans

2007-12-03T14:17:02Z

I just wanted to send a special thank you to Nathan and Andrew two of my number one Louisville Cardinal fans. Nathan and Andrew sent me this special poster that they put together, to let me know that they are true Cardinal and E5 fans. So from me and on behalf of my team mates, we thank you for your support and the energy that you guys bring to each game. Keep up the good work.

I'll be looking for you in the stands......

Sorry guys (Franklin Elementary)

2007-11-26T21:14:25Z

Sorry guys it took me so long to get these answers back to you, its been a little busy out here. We just finished playing 5 games in seven days, winning 4 of the 5. Even though we were on the road for 5 days we are still responsible for doing school work and of course practice. Keep the questions coming and I'll try and not to take so long with a response. Remember to keep working hard in class, because life is so hard without a good education, listen to your parents because you need their guidance and keep dreaming, no dream is to big. If you can dream it you can make it happen for yourself if you are willing to work hard for it.

If you see me on TV let me know how I look.

1. When is your first game and who is it against?
Our first game was against Hartford on Saturday, November T17th at Freedom Hall. I was so excited about finally getting the season started and competing against another team.

2. What makes this year so important to your career?
We'll I think when you have a heart for the game every year is important. Any great player would want to look back and say they had a great career. So I would say for me it's important to be ready from start to finish. Even though there are times when you might start out slow but end up strong. I believe that I finished my previous season strong so I would like to pick-up where I left off and just get better as I go. That would be a great impact on my career and my team.

3. Do you believe that athletes should be given special treatment?
I do not believe that athletes should get special treatment, we are no different than any body else.

4. What is the best stadium that you played in other than Louisville?
The best stadium that I played in besides Freedom Hall would have to be Madison Square Garden. So many great things has happene in the Garden and I always wanted to get a chance to play there and when I finally did it was a great feeling I cannot explain.

I want to thank all of you for taking your time out and visiting my blog. Thanks again hope to see you all soon.

Franklin Elementary School, Mr. Akbar's 5th Grade Class

2007-11-06T08:52:31Z

Hey what's up...I am glad that you all came to my blog...I am looking forward to coming and spending time with you guys..I hope all is going well and you guys are doing great in school.... I received your questions and I have answered each one... If you have any other questions I will be more than happy to answer them ... thanks again for coming to my blog.

Dear Earl
Can you send our class some pictures of you?
Kerry

Earl
Kerry I have added more photo's to my photo log, just click on the link (Earl's Photo's)

Dear Earl,
How old are you and how tall?
Zaverna

Earl
What's up Zaverna I am 19 and 6'10" I grew an inch over the summer. I don't know why I keep growing...lol

Dear Earl,
Do you know my sister Arriel? She is a senior now.
Alexis

Earl
Alexis i probably do know your sister...but right now a face does not come to mind...

Dear Earl,
Why did you dream of being in the NBA?
MAlik

Earl
Malik every since I picked up a basketball I wanted to play in the NBA. I fell in love with the game and had a dream so I am going after it.

Dear Earl,
Who was your inspiration? Why?
Alex

Earl
My inspiration has always been my mother. Growing up watching her I admired the way she never gave up and that is something that always stuck with me.

Dear Earl,
What NBA team do you wish to play on?
Dayon

Earl
Dayon I would love to play for the New Jersey Nets..that way I could play and still come see you guys.

Dear Earl,
Who was your favorite college and professional team when you were growing up?
Zhane

Earl
When I was growing up my favorite professional team was the 76sixers Allen Iverson was my idol.

Dear Earl,
Do you have any siblings that plays basketball now?
Alana

Earl
Alana I have a older brother and a sister who played. My sister has a NCAA Div. II National Championship ring that she won while playing at Cal. University. My Brother Played 4 years at Plainfield H.S.. I also have some lil cousins that play ball...

Check out this video

2007-10-29T12:56:26Z

Came across this video on You Tube.......
Lyrics are a little rough..but the video is put together nicely.

1st Practice

2007-10-21T19:57:30Z

Hey was up everybody.......

Im good a little tired right now.... practice started last 1stFriday the beginning of basketball season...
we were all excited and got after it... it felt really good getting back out there with my team mates
only this time around I'm a sophmore and it feels good to have a year under my belt... it is funny
to see the freshman come in and go through the same things my classmates and I went through...
everything is going about 100 mph... feeling like practice is never going to end... and if we go any
longer my legs are going to fall off... lol yea freshmen year is something I will always rememeber..
it definitely made me a better player... we looked really good for that to be our first practice...
well I got to get some sleep now ...we have two a day tommorrow.... till next time..... 1 love...

E5

First Entry

2007-09-22T17:46:55Z

What's up this is Earl!

Welcome to my blog site. I hope through this blog many of you who don't know me will get to know me and many of you who know me will get to know me a little bit more. I'll share some things with you and I'll try to answer many of your questions about school, my life, sports etc. Right now I am excited about my new website and look forward to getting to know some of you on line and setting the record straight when it comes to Earl Clark. I also wanted to put this site together for all of the E5 kids that I have come in contact with while visiting their schools in Rahway New Jersey. Mr. Arkbar's 5th graders at the Franklin Elementary School and the Rahway Middle School. I look forward to talking to them again using this site as a meeting spot. So get back at me!