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Perry Clark
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Perry Clark (born December 4, 1951) is an American former college basketball coach and the former head men's basketball coach at the University of Miami. He previously served as head coach of Tulane University, and later at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.[1] From June 2013, until his retirement in June 2020, Clark was an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina basketball team.[2][3]
Key Information
Clark has over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 15 years combined as head coach at both Tulane University and the University of Miami (Florida). As a head coach, Clark owned a 304–270 (.530) record, including seven 20-win seasons and nine postseason appearances (3 NCAA, 4 NIT) and won the Metro Conference championship in 1992. The 1992 National Coach of the Year, he was a two-time Metro Conference Coach of the Year (1991, 1992).
Early career
[edit]Clark began his coaching career as an assistant coach at DeMatha Catholic High School. In 1978 he became an assistant coach at Penn State. Beginning in 1982, he served as the recruiting coordinator at Georgia Tech. During this time, five players earned honors as the top freshman – Mark Price (1983), Bruce Dalrymple (1984), Duane Ferrell (1985), Tom Hammonds (1986) and Dennis Scott (1988). At Tulane, Anthony Reed (1990), Kim Lewis (1991) and Pointer Williams (1992) claimed consecutive Metro Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Clark has coached 19 players who were drafted or have gone on to play in the NBA. Thirteen of those draftees have gone in the first or second rounds, including 2002 selection John Salmons, who was taken with the 26th pick of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, and James Jones, who was a second-round selection by the Indiana Pacers in the 2003 NBA draft. In his stints at Georgia Tech and Tulane, Clark went a phenomenal eight for nine, from 1983 to 1992, in helping produce the conference's top rookie, including a Metro record three in a row at Tulane.
Miami
[edit]He took over the program at Miami in 2000 and spent four seasons with the Hurricanes, where he led them to a 65–54 (.546) record. In his first three seasons with the program, he accumulated 51 wins, the most ever by a Hurricane coach, and became the only Miami coach to take the Hurricanes to the postseason in each of his first two seasons.
Clark's 2001–02 Hurricane squad finished 24–8 and received the school's fourth NCAA Tournament berth and set a school record for wins in a season. Included in the 24 wins were a school-record 14 consecutive victories to open the season. His Hurricanes were not ranked in the preseason, but were ranked for the final 13 weeks of the campaign, ending the year ranked No. 21 according to the Associated Press.
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
[edit]In four seasons at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Clark led the Islanders to a 54–71 (.432) overall record. His 2008–09 squad doubled its win total from the previous season and Kevin Palmer earned Southland Newcomer of the Year honors after posting 18.2 points per game in leading a team in which no player had more than a season of NCAA Division I experience.
Head coaching record
[edit]| Season | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Postseason | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane Green Wave (Metro Conference) (1989–1995) | |||||||||
| 1989–90 | Tulane | 4–24 | 1–13 | 8th | |||||
| 1990–91 | Tulane | 15–13 | 7–7 | T–4th | |||||
| 1991–92 | Tulane | 22–9 | 8–4 | 1st | NCAA Division I Second Round | ||||
| 1992–93 | Tulane | 22–9 | 9–3 | 2nd | NCAA Division I Second Round | ||||
| 1993–94 | Tulane | 18–11 | 7–5 | T–2nd | NIT Second Round | ||||
| 1994–95 | Tulane | 23–10 | 7–5 | T–2nd | NCAA Division I Second Round | ||||
| Tulane Green Wave (Conference USA) (1995–2000) | |||||||||
| 1995–96 | Tulane | 22–10 | 9–5 | 1st (Red) | NIT Third Place | ||||
| 1996–97 | Tulane | 20–11 | 11–3 | 1st (Red) | NIT First Round | ||||
| 1997–98 | Tulane | 7–22 | 2–14 | T–5th (National) | |||||
| 1998–99 | Tulane | 12–15 | 6–10 | T–2nd (National) | |||||
| 1999–00 | Tulane | 20–11 | 8–8 | T–1st (National) | NIT First Round | ||||
| Tulane: | 185–145 (.561) | 75–77 (.493) | |||||||
| Miami Hurricanes (Big East Conference) (2000–2004) | |||||||||
| 2000–01 | Miami | 16–13 | 8–8 | T–3rd (East) | NIT First Round | ||||
| 2001–02 | Miami | 24–8 | 10–6 | 2nd (East) | NCAA Division I First Round | ||||
| 2002–03 | Miami | 11–17 | 4–12 | T–6th (East) | |||||
| 2003–04 | Miami | 14–16 | 4–12 | T–12th | |||||
| Miami (FL): | 65–54 (.546) | 26–38 (.406) | |||||||
| Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders (Southland Conference) (2007–2011) | |||||||||
| 2007–08 | Texas A&M–Corpus Christi | 9–20 | 6–10 | T–5th (West) | |||||
| 2008–09 | Texas A&M–Corpus Christi | 18–15 | 11–5 | 2nd (West) | |||||
| 2009–10 | Texas A&M–Corpus Christi | 17–15 | 10–6 | 2nd (West) | |||||
| 2010–11 | Texas A&M–Corpus Christi | 10–21 | 5–11 | 6th (West) | |||||
| Texas A&M–Corpus Christi: | 54–71 (.432) | 32–32 (.500) | |||||||
| Total: | 304–270 (.530) | ||||||||
|
National champion
Postseason invitational champion
| |||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ "A&M-Corpus Christi fires Clark after 10–21 season". Fox News. Associated Press. March 7, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2011.
- ^ "USC men's basketball assistant coach Perry Clark to retire". wltx.com. June 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Breiner, Ben (June 1, 2020). "Longtime Gamecock basketball assistant to retire". The State. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
Perry Clark
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Perry Clark (born December 4, 1951) is a retired American college basketball coach renowned for revitalizing the Tulane University men's basketball program and achieving notable success at the University of Miami.[1] Over his head coaching career spanning Tulane (1989–2000), Miami (2000–2004), and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (2007–2011), Clark compiled a 304–270 record, including seven 20-win seasons, nine postseason appearances (four NCAA Tournaments and five NITs), and one conference championship.[2] His accomplishments earned him the National Coach of the Year award in 1992 from both the United States Basketball Writers Association and United Press International, along with two Metro Conference Coach of the Year honors (1991, 1992).[3]
Born in Washington, D.C., Clark played Division III basketball at Gettysburg College, where he graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in communications.[1] He began his coaching career as an assistant at DeMatha Catholic High School from 1975 to 1978, contributing to teams that lost only eight games over three seasons.[3] Clark then served as an assistant at Penn State University (1978–1982), helping secure three winning seasons and an NIT appearance, before moving to Georgia Tech (1982–1988) as an assistant and later associate head coach, where the Yellow Jackets won 123 games and made four NCAA Tournament trips, including an Elite Eight run in 1985.[1]
In 1989, at age 38, Clark took over as head coach at Tulane University, inheriting a program shuttered since 1985 due to a point-shaving scandal; he rebuilt it into a contender, amassing 185 wins in 11 seasons and leading the Green Wave to their first NCAA Tournament appearances in 1992, 1993, and 1995, with first-round victories over St. John's, Kansas State, and Brigham Young, respectively.[4] Under Clark, Tulane secured the 1992 Metro Conference regular-season title—its only conference championship to date—reached the NIT Final Four in 1996 (finishing third), and posted six 20-win seasons, including records of 22–9 (1992), 22–9 (1993), 23–10 (1995), 22–10 (1996), 20–10 (1997), and 20–10 (2000).[4] He also coached 13 players who reached the NBA and eight conference Freshmen of the Year.[1]
Clark's four seasons at Miami produced a 65–54 record, highlighted by a school-record 24 wins in 2001–02 and the Hurricanes' third NCAA Tournament berth in program history, where they advanced to the second round as a No. 5 seed.[5] At Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, he coached for four years, focusing on program development in the Islanders' early NCAA Division I era.[4] From 2013 to 2020, Clark served as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina under Frank Martin, aiding the Gamecocks in reaching two NCAA Tournaments, including a Final Four run in 2017, before announcing his retirement on June 1, 2020, after more than 30 years in college basketball.[2]
Clark's contributions to Louisiana basketball have been recognized with inductions into the Tulane University Athletic Hall of Fame (2008), Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (2024).[6]
Early life and playing career
College education and basketball playing
Perry Clark was born on December 4, 1951, in Washington, D.C.[1] He attended Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from 1971 to 1974, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communications.[1] As a three-year letterwinner and starter at guard for the Gettysburg Bullets men's basketball team, Clark played in 48 games during his collegiate career.[7] He averaged 11.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the team's efforts in the Middle Atlantic Conference.[1] In his senior year of 1973–74, Clark emerged as a standout scorer, tallying 353 points to finish second in the Middle Atlantic Conference.[8] This performance highlighted his development as a key offensive player for the Bullets, marking a personal milestone in his athletic career at Gettysburg.[8]Early influences and post-playing transition
Perry Clark was born on December 4, 1951, in Washington, D.C.[1] His mother, Barbara Clark, served as chairwoman of the D.C. Lottery Commission, providing a stable family environment in the nation's capital during his formative years.[9] At DeMatha Catholic High School in nearby Hyattsville, Maryland, Clark initially faced setbacks, being cut from the varsity team as a junior, but he persevered to become a key contributor on a squad that won a city championship.[9] Under the guidance of legendary coach Morgan Wootten, who became a profound mentor, Clark developed a relentless competitive drive, with Wootten later describing him as someone who "doesn’t know the meaning of the word defeat."[9] Wootten served as Clark's high school coach and first boss.[10] Clark's undergraduate years at Gettysburg College, where he played Division III basketball from 1971 to 1974, further solidified his foundation in the sport, emphasizing teamwork and discipline that would influence his future path.[7] Upon graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications, he made an immediate pivot to coaching, driven by an intrinsic motivation to test his own capabilities and embrace the challenges of the profession.[1][9] Reflecting on this transition, Clark stated, "I looked in the mirror and I said, 'Perry, it’s time to find out how good you are,'" underscoring his passion for basketball and the encouragement from figures like Wootten that propelled him toward his first coaching opportunity.[9]Assistant coaching career
High school and initial college roles
Perry Clark launched his coaching career as an assistant at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, from 1975 to 1978, working under renowned head coach Morgan Wootten at the school where he had previously played.[3] During his three seasons, the DeMatha Stags compiled a 107-8 record and captured Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championships in 1975 and 1976.[1][11] As part of a powerhouse program that emphasized discipline and talent development, Clark assisted in coaching standout players, contributing to DeMatha's reputation for producing elite recruits.[9] In 1978, Clark advanced to the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at Penn State University under head coach Dick Harter, a role he maintained through the 1981-82 season.[2] The Nittany Lions, operating as an independent, experienced a program resurgence during this period, recording three winning seasons amid Harter's emphasis on defensive fundamentals.[12] Specific seasonal outcomes included a 12-18 mark in 1978-79, followed by 18-10 in 1979-80 with a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) berth—Penn State's first postseason appearance in 14 years—17-10 in 1980-81, and 15-12 in 1981-82.[13][14] Clark handled recruiting duties, earning praise for his enthusiasm in attracting talent to a developing program.[15] These formative positions honed Clark's foundational skills in coaching, from high school talent nurturing under Wootten to collegiate strategy and recruitment at Penn State, laying the groundwork for his ascent in basketball.[16]Key roles at major programs
Perry Clark joined the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets as an assistant coach in 1982 under head coach Bobby Cremins, initially serving in a general assistant capacity before being promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator from 1986 to 1988.[2] Building on his foundational experience from earlier assistant roles at the high school and college levels, Clark played a pivotal role in elevating the program's competitiveness within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).[3] As recruiting coordinator, Clark earned a reputation as one of the nation's top talent evaluators and persistent recruiters, helping secure several high-profile prospects who became immediate contributors and future NBA professionals.[9] Key recruits during his tenure included guard Mark Price in 1982, who was named ACC Rookie of the Year in 1983 and went on to a distinguished NBA career; forward Bruce Dalrymple in 1983, honored as the conference's top freshman in 1984; forward Duane Ferrell in 1984, who earned similar accolades in 1985 before playing eight NBA seasons; forward Tom Hammonds in 1985, the ACC's top freshman in 1986 and a first-round NBA draft pick; and forward Dennis Scott in 1987, recognized as the league's outstanding freshman in 1988 and later a three-time NBA All-Star.[1] These signings, including early involvement with center John Salley, who enrolled in 1982 and became a four-time NBA champion, fostered a culture of talent development and team resilience at Georgia Tech. Clark's efforts contributed significantly to the Yellow Jackets' rise as an ACC powerhouse, with the program compiling a 123-64 record (.658 winning percentage) over his six seasons, including four NCAA Tournament appearances.[17] Notable successes included the 1985 ACC Tournament championship and an Elite Eight run, followed by an Elite Eight run in 1986, marking Georgia Tech's emergence as a national contender after years of sub-.500 finishes.[3] His strategic input on game preparation, emphasizing disciplined defense and fast-paced offense, helped integrate incoming talent into winning rotations, as evidenced by consistent 20-win seasons from 1984 onward. Through his work at Georgia Tech, Clark honed advanced skills in high-stakes recruiting—such as identifying overlooked prospects like Price from Oklahoma and Scott from Georgia—and meticulous scouting for ACC rivalries, experiences that directly prepared him for head coaching responsibilities by blending talent acquisition with tactical innovation.[18][1]Head coaching at Tulane University
Program revival after shutdown
In 1988, at the age of 36, Perry Clark was hired as the head coach of Tulane University's men's basketball team to lead its revival following a self-imposed shutdown from 1985 to 1989 due to a point-shaving scandal that involved players accepting bribes to manipulate game outcomes.[19][20] Clark, who had served as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech under Bobby Cremins, brought recruiting experience from a program that emphasized player development and integrity, which he applied to Tulane's fresh start.[19] The initial challenges were immense, as the program had been dormant for four years, leaving no established roster, limited facilities, and a tarnished reputation that deterred top talent and fans alike. Clark began by holding open tryouts and assembling a squad of nine freshmen and three junior college transfers, many of whom required guidance on basic team protocols like curfews. Restoring eligibility involved navigating NCAA and conference rules for the reinstated program, while rebuilding fan support meant overcoming skepticism in a city still scarred by the scandal; early games drew sparse crowds at Fogelman Arena. Clark prioritized recruiting "good kids" with strong character to foster trust and prevent future issues, focusing on defensive-minded players suited to the competitive Metro Conference.[19][20][21] In the 1989–90 season, Tulane posted a 4–24 overall record (1–13 in conference), struggling with inexperience as eight freshmen comprised most of the roster, but Clark's strategies laid foundational progress. He implemented a deep 10-man rotation to build team culture and endurance, emphasizing defense to compensate for offensive limitations; the team's first victory came after four years, nine months, and six days without a win for the program, a 93–91 double-overtime upset over Tennessee Tech. Key early recruits included 6-foot-9 forward Anthony Reed, Clark's first commit, who emerged as a scoring and rebounding leader as a freshman.[22][19][20] The following 1990–91 season showed marked improvement with a 15–13 record, as Clark integrated another wave of recruits and refined his approach. Freshmen Carlin Hartman, Kim Lewis, and Makeba Perry joined forces with senior Michael Christian to form "The Posse," a high-energy bench unit that boosted defensive intensity and team cohesion. This period highlighted Clark's commitment to a patient rebuild, gradually restoring confidence among players and supporters through consistent effort and ethical standards.[7][20]Major achievements and postseason success
During his 11-year tenure at Tulane University from 1989 to 2000, Perry Clark compiled an overall record of 185–145 (.561), marking the second-most wins by any head coach in program history. This success built upon the foundational revival of the program, establishing Tulane as a consistent contender in the Metro Conference and later Conference USA. Clark's teams achieved six 20-win seasons, showcasing sustained excellence that positioned the Green Wave for multiple postseason opportunities.[7][6] Clark's peak accomplishments included leading Tulane to the 1992 Metro Conference regular-season championship, a milestone that highlighted the program's resurgence. For his efforts, he earned Metro Conference Coach of the Year honors in both 1991 and 1992, recognizing his strategic acumen and player development. Nationally, Clark received the Henry Iba Award from the United States Basketball Writers Association and the UPI Coach of the Year award in 1992, accolades that underscored his transformative impact on a mid-major program.[6][4][23] Under Clark, Tulane made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament—in 1992, 1993, and 1995—representing the only such berths in school history. In 1992, the No. 10-seeded Green Wave defeated No. 7 St. John's 61–57 in the first round before falling 87–71 to No. 2 Oklahoma State in the second round. The 1993 team, an at-large No. 11 seed, upset No. 6 Kansas State 55–53 in the opening round but lost 94–63 to No. 3 Florida State next. In 1995, as a No. 9 seed, Tulane beat No. 8 BYU 76–70 before a 82–60 defeat to No. 1 Kentucky. Clark's teams also secured four National Invitation Tournament berths in 1994, 1996, 1997, and 2000, further demonstrating postseason consistency. During this era, Clark played a key role in the early development of NBA talents, including forward Jerald Honeycutt, who was selected in the second round of the 1997 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and played two seasons in the league.[24][25][26][6][27]Head coaching at University of Miami
Hiring and early performance
Perry Clark was hired as the head men's basketball coach at the University of Miami on July 6, 2000, succeeding Leonard Hamilton, who had departed for an NBA coaching position with the Washington Wizards.[28] Clark's proven track record at Tulane University, where he had revitalized the program with seven postseason appearances over 11 seasons, positioned him as a strong fit for Miami's rising program in the Big East Conference.[29] He signed a five-year contract reportedly worth $750,000 annually, inheriting a roster that had recently achieved back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths under Hamilton.[28] In his inaugural 2000–01 season, Clark guided the Hurricanes to a 16–13 overall record and an 8–8 mark in Big East play, securing a fourth-place finish in the East Division.[30] The team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament, where they fell to Pittsburgh 78–69, before earning a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and exiting in the first round with a 60–58 loss to Auburn.[31] Clark's second season in 2001–02 marked a breakthrough, as the Hurricanes compiled a 24–8 record—the program's single-season high at the time—and finished second in the Big East East Division with a 10–6 conference record.[32] They reached the semifinals of the Big East Tournament, defeating Georgetown in overtime before losing to Pittsburgh 76–71, and earned Miami's first NCAA Tournament appearance under Clark as a No. 5 seed in the West Region, though they were eliminated in the first round by Missouri 93–80.[33] Key contributors included guard John Salmons, who averaged 13.1 points per game and earned All-Big East honors, while Clark emphasized an up-tempo offensive style to leverage the team's athleticism and transition play.[32][34]Final seasons and departure
Clark's tenure at Miami began to falter in the 2002–03 season, when the Hurricanes compiled an 11–17 overall record and a 4–12 mark in Big East Conference play, finishing tied for sixth in the East Division and missing the postseason for the first time under his leadership.[35] This marked a significant drop from the program's earlier momentum, as the team struggled with consistency in a competitive conference environment.[36] The decline continued in the 2003–04 season, with Miami posting a 14–16 overall record and another 4–12 conference showing, placing 13th in the Big East and failing to qualify for the league tournament amid a 10-game losing streak.[37][36] Over his four seasons from 2000 to 2004, Clark's teams achieved an overall 65–54 record (.546 winning percentage), but the back-to-back losing campaigns highlighted a regression in performance despite investments in a new arena and the program's impending move to the Atlantic Coast Conference.[36] Dwindling fan support and financial pressures further strained the situation, contributing to heightened expectations for sustained success.[36] On March 27, 2004, following a nearly three-week review, University of Miami athletic director Paul Dee announced Clark's firing, citing the need for a new direction to enhance competitiveness and rebuild the fan base ahead of the ACC transition.[36][38] Clark, who had nearly $2.5 million remaining on the final three years of his contract, expressed disappointment but maintained that he had been focused on long-term program building rather than short-term maintenance, and he voiced intentions to return to coaching elsewhere.[36] The university immediately began its search for a replacement, prioritizing candidates with strong college coaching experience, while Clark's early postseason appearances in his first two seasons served as a brief contrast to the final year's challenges.[36]Head coaching at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi
Tenure overview
Perry Clark was hired as head coach of the Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders men's basketball team on May 3, 2007, following a three-year hiatus from coaching during which he worked as a television and radio analyst for Fox Sports Net and ESPN.[39] The appointment came after the program's inaugural season in the Southland Conference, where the Islanders had achieved a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance under previous coach Ronnie Arrow, prompting the university to seek an experienced leader to sustain momentum amid the conference expansion.[39] Clark, drawing from his prior head coaching roles at Tulane University and the University of Miami, brought over 28 years of collegiate experience, including seven 20-win seasons and nine postseason appearances.[39] Clark's tenure emphasized the development of student-athletes and establishing competitiveness as a mid-major program within the Southland Conference, aligning with the university's goal of building on its recent successes while prioritizing academic and personal growth.[39] He focused on instilling discipline and fundamentals, leveraging his background in program rebuilding to foster a culture of resilience and team-oriented play. This approach aimed to position the Islanders as consistent contenders, capitalizing on the talent pipeline in a transitioning Division I program. A highlight of Clark's time came in the 2008–09 season, when the Islanders compiled an 18–15 overall record and 11–5 in conference play, securing second place in the Southland West Division.[40] The team advanced to the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament, defeating Texas–Arlington in the quarterfinals before falling to top-seeded Stephen F. Austin, marking a strong postseason push that underscored the program's growing viability under Clark's guidance.[41][42]Challenges and outcomes
During his four-year tenure at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi from 2007 to 2011, Perry Clark compiled an overall record of 54–71 (.432), with seasonal marks of 9–20 in 2007–08, 18–15 in 2008–09, 17–15 in 2009–10, and 10–21 in 2010–11.[7] The program achieved no postseason appearances during this period, reflecting the difficulties of competing in the Southland Conference as a relatively new Division I member since 2004.[7] Clark faced significant challenges in rebuilding the Islanders' roster upon arrival, particularly in recruiting amid the program's transition and limited visibility. One immediate hurdle was securing a point guard, as the team lacked depth at that position following the departure of prior contributors, complicating efforts to establish a competitive lineup in a small-market location like Corpus Christi.[43] These recruiting constraints, common to mid-major programs with fewer resources compared to power conferences, contributed to inconsistent performance and the inability to sustain winning seasons beyond the initial improvements in 2008–09 and 2009–10.[43] The 2010–11 season exemplified these obstacles, ending with a 10–21 record that highlighted ongoing struggles in talent acquisition and team cohesion.[7] Following this campaign, Clark's contract was not renewed in a mutual decision with athletic director Tim Holt, marking the end of his head coaching stint after four seasons without advancing to the NCAA Tournament or other postseason play.[44]Later career and retirement
Assistant role at South Carolina
In June 2013, Perry Clark was hired as an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina men's basketball team under head coach Frank Martin, marking his return to a major Division I program after serving as a college basketball analyst following his head coaching tenure at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi.[45][46] Clark brought over 30 years of coaching experience, including 15 seasons as a head coach, and emphasized his long-standing relationship with Martin, whom he had known for more than two decades.[47][45] Clark's primary responsibilities included recruiting top talent and player development, where he focused on building a competitive roster and fostering discipline within the program.[45] His efforts contributed significantly to South Carolina's resurgence, particularly as noted by Martin who described him as a huge part of building the program.[48] During his seven-season tenure from 2013 to 2020, Clark played a key role in the Gamecocks' postseason successes, including their historic run to the NCAA Final Four in 2017—a program first with a record 26 wins—and the Elite Eight in 2018.[2][4] These achievements elevated South Carolina's national profile and marked some of the most successful periods in the program's history.[49] In player development, Clark mentored several athletes who advanced to professional levels, contributing to his career total of 19 players drafted or signed to play in the NBA, with 13 selected in the first or second rounds.[2] At South Carolina, notable examples included forward Sindarius Thornwell, drafted 38th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2017 after earning SEC Player of the Year honors, and guard P.J. Dozier, selected 43rd overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2019.[50] Clark's guidance helped instill a culture of resilience and preparation that underpinned the team's deep tournament runs and sustained competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference.[48]Retirement and post-coaching activities
Perry Clark announced his retirement from college basketball coaching on June 1, 2020, concluding a tenure of seven seasons as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina under head coach Frank Martin.[2] In his statement, Clark expressed gratitude for his time with the Gamecocks, where he contributed to key successes including the team's run to the 2017 NCAA Final Four, but decided to step away to pursue personal interests and new opportunities after more than four decades in the profession.[2] He emphasized remaining physically fit yet eager for a change, marking the end of a career that began in the mid-1970s with assistant roles at high school and collegiate levels.[2] Reflecting on his extensive coaching journey, Clark highlighted the programs he helped build and the enduring relationships formed across his stops at institutions like Tulane, Miami, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, and South Carolina.[2] Over his 45-year career, he amassed a head coaching record of 304–270 (.529), featuring nine postseason appearances and multiple seasons with 20 or more wins, achievements that underscored his impact on revitalizing dormant programs.[2] These reflections appeared in his retirement announcement and subsequent interviews, where he credited mentorships and team-building as cornerstones of his success.[51] In the years following retirement, Clark has engaged in activities honoring his legacy through hall of fame recognitions and media contributions. On the same day as his announcement, he was selected for induction into the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame for his transformative work at Tulane from 1989 to 2000.[52] In June 2024, he was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, traveling from South Carolina to attend the ceremony in Natchitoches and participate in related events celebrating Louisiana sports figures.[3][53] Additionally, in March 2025, Clark appeared in the PBS documentary series Behind the Glory, sharing insights on resurrecting Tulane's program after its shutdown and the foundational elements of his coaching philosophy.[54] These engagements have allowed him to mentor indirectly through storytelling and preserve the history of college basketball in the South.[55]Coaching record and honors
Head coaching statistics by program
Perry Clark's head coaching career spanned 19 seasons across three programs, compiling an overall record of 304–270 (.530). His conference records varied by affiliation: 75–77 (.494) in the Metro Conference and Conference USA at Tulane, 26–38 (.406) in the Big East Conference at Miami, and 32–32 (.500) in the Southland Conference at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. He coached a total of 574 games, achieving seven seasons with 20 or more wins, all during his tenures at Tulane and Miami.[7][56][1][39]Tulane University (1989–2000)
Clark coached Tulane for 11 seasons, overseeing 330 games with an overall record of 185–145 (.561). In conference play, his teams went 75–77 (.494). He led the Green Wave to six 20-win seasons (1991–92: 22–9; 1992–93: 22–9; 1994–95: 23–10; 1995–96: 22–10; 1996–97: 20–11; 1999–00: 20–11).[57][56][4]| Season | Overall | Conference | Conf. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | 4–24 | 1–13 (Metro) | 8th |
| 1990–91 | 15–13 | 7–7 (Metro) | 4th |
| 1991–92 | 22–9 | 8–4 (Metro) | 2nd |
| 1992–93 | 22–9 | 9–3 (Metro) | 2nd |
| 1993–94 | 18–11 | 7–5 (Metro) | T–2nd |
| 1994–95 | 23–10 | 7–5 (Metro) | T–2nd |
| 1995–96 | 22–10 | 9–5 (CUSA) | T–2nd |
| 1996–97 | 20–11 | 11–3 (CUSA) | 2nd |
| 1997–98 | 7–22 | 2–14 (CUSA) | 10th |
| 1998–99 | 12–15 | 6–10 (CUSA) | 7th |
| 1999–00 | 20–11 | 8–8 (CUSA) | T–5th |
| Total | 185–145 | 75–77 |
University of Miami (2000–2004)
Over four seasons at Miami, Clark directed 119 games, resulting in a 65–54 (.546) overall record and 26–38 (.406) in Big East Conference play. His teams reached one 20-win season (2001–02: 24–8).[58][59][36]| Season | Overall | Conference | Conf. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01 | 16–13 | 8–8 (Big East) | T–3rd (East) |
| 2001–02 | 24–8 | 10–6 (Big East) | 2nd (East) |
| 2002–03 | 11–17 | 4–12 (Big East) | 6th (East) |
| 2003–04 | 14–16 | 4–12 (Big East) | T–12th |
| Total | 65–54 | 26–38 |
Texas A&M–Corpus Christi (2007–2011)
Clark's four-year stint at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi involved 125 games, yielding a 54–71 (.432) overall record and 32–32 (.500) in Southland Conference competition. None of his teams achieved 20 wins in a season.[60][39][61]| Season | Overall | Conference | Conf. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | 9–20 | 6–10 (Southland) | 5th (West) |
| 2008–09 | 18–15 | 11–5 (Southland) | 2nd |
| 2009–10 | 17–15 | 10–6 (Southland) | 3rd |
| 2010–11 | 10–21 | 5–11 (Southland) | 10th |
| Total | 54–71 | 32–32 |