E5's Blog

You are our March Madness MVP!

Franklin Elementary 5th grade — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:41:00 GMT

Earl,

You played very well in the tournament even though your team did not win. Our class filled our brakets and everyone selected your team to finish as National Champions (including myself even though I am a North Carolina fan). Several students viewed the game with Michigan State with their families and felt that your teammates Samuels and Williams did not play as well as they did in the Arizona game. Our class is anxious to see and hear from you before the NBA draft. Are you going to declare on the blog? We are going to have a draft party in our class as we hope that you land in NEW YORK! Here are some questions that we have for you. Please answer when you can.

Rasheem- How was it to walk off the court after the Michigan State game?

Cristal- Where you afraid of any team in the tournament?

Sean- Can you get us some autographs of you?

Jean- What was your favorite city that you visited while playing in the tournament?

Cynthia- Are you going to miss yur teammates if you declare for the draft?

Mr. Akbar and class

We get to see E5!!!

Franklin Elementary 5th grade — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:40:00 GMT

Hey Earl,

Thank you again for the tickets for the game. I was accompanied by another teacher and two students, Giovanni Smith and Tahje McClain. They had a ball! We made two signs during our school recess time and it even seemed that we were the only people who made something to show during the game. It seems like a lot of people love you just the way that many people do here in Rahway. I even saw Mr. Conroy's parents at the game! You are playing great and the students even liked the shot right before halftime. The best part of the Rutgers game was when we got to see you walk out of the locker room.

Our class will write an essay on the importance of giving back, which you already do, and mail them to you. I hope that you would select winners just like you have done the previous years. I hope that you are getting some wonderful gifts for the winners also...and their teacher (jersey size XL...LOL)! I am proud of you and keep your goals in front of you. Bobby Akbar

Giovanni, Earl, and Mr. Akbar pose after the game!

What kind of face is this?

Duck or Dunk????

Tahje McClain speaking for a lot of Rahwayians...We Love You Earl!!!

Waz Up Franklin!

Earl Clark — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:39:00 GMT

It was good to see Mr. Akbar and some of the kids at the Rutgers game last night. It brought back a lot of memories of going to school in Rahway and people that I haven’t seen in 3 years. Hope everybody is doing well, I know it’s been a while sense we have talked, but my thoughts are always with you. My family and I are doing well; we are expecting a new addition to the clan around June. School is fine, Louisville is a great place to go to school, and I have experienced a lot of good things here. The basketball season is going well, it look like we have started to turn things around. We are playing better as a team, we are learning to rely on each other strengths and help with each others weaknesses. Only time will tell how good we will become, just like a lot of teams in the NCAA we have very high goals.

I have the answers to the latest set of questions you guys sent me, again I apologies for the delay in answering them.

Talk to you guys soon and be safe.

Cecilia - Do you want to play pro basketball? Why?
Yes I would like to play pro ball its a life long dream. There was nothing more that I wanted to do but play basketball, since I was 5 it's always been my dream.

Isabela - How does it feel to play in front of a lot of people? Being that I am shy, I can't see how your not nervous!
It's fun now, when I was a freshmen my first game I was nervous but after the jump ball you just play.

Cristal - What draws your interest in basketball? Did you play football like Lebron James and Allen Iverson ?
For me it's the love for the game and I having fun. when I picked up the ball for the first time I never put it down. I did play Pop Warner football for the Plainfield Vikings my position was linebacker.

Braija - What team would you like to be drafted to? Will Mr. Akbar get a jersey?
I would like to be drafted by the Nets cause I know I would be a good addition to the team. Most definetly Mr. Akbar gets a jersey.

Edna - What is it like to be a well known basketball player?
It's great, I have great fans, I take a lot of pictures and sign a lot of autographs and I get to talk to the media. I know that I am truly blessed and a lot of people would like to be in my shoes.

Jessica - How many victories do you have under your belt at Louisville?
I don't know how many since I've been at Louisville but I do know that we have more wins than losses

Sean - What do you eat and do before the game to provide energy for the game?
On game day I eat breakfast and lunch and I drink lots of water and gatorade to stay hydrated so I don't cramp up. I listen to music and I bring my own energy.

Rasheem - Why do you have your own website?
My website is to stay in contact with people like you and others who don't know me but they can get to know me through my website .

Isac - Do you have a car? What kind?
No I do not have a car or a license but I'm working on it.

Crisanto - What is your favorite color? Favorite clothing item?
My favorite color is blue and I love sneakers.

Cynthia - What did you dream of becoming when you were little?
My dream when I was little was to be a basketball player and play in the NBA. I watched Allen Iverson a lot and I tried to mimic his moves.

Giovanni - What NBA star woulod you like to meet first?
I would like to meet Michael Jordon.

Jean - Are you a pet lover?
I like dogs but I hate cats. I like tigers and lions but I know I won't get to close.

Akbar - How would you give back to the Rahway community? Do you have a special someone? What is your major? When will you graduate?
By doing things like this staying in contact with the kids and trying to be available when I'm called upon. My special someone is Megan Bowen. I am a communications major. I am scheduled to graduate next year but I might have to put graduation off for a while to pursue my dream.

THANK YOU

Earl Clark — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:14:00 GMT

To all of the U of L fans I just wanted to say I really appreciate all the LOVE that was shown on my birthday. Having my 21st birthday was great and beating Pitt was even better. Let me just say that the card that was passed out and signed by all of the fans was the biggest birthday card that I have ever recieved in my life. I thank you for all of your support you are the best fans in college basketball. I will never forget my 21st birthday. Go Cards!!!!!!

Athlon Cover

Earl Clark — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:03:00 GMT

March Madness

Earl Clark — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:25:00 GMT

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

Franklin Elementary 5th grade — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:23:00 GMT

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

Larry Clark — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:44:00 GMT

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

Brenda Clark — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 04:38:00 GMT

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

Larry Clark — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 02:15:00 GMT

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

Earl Clark — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:23:00 GMT

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

Earl Clark — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 03:26:00 GMT

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)

Earl Clark — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:34:00 GMT

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

Earl Clark — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:34:00 GMT

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

Earl Clark — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:45:00 GMT

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

1st Practice

Earl Clark — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:35:00 GMT

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

Earl Clark — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:59:00 GMT

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!