A Summer of Lifelong Memories for Brody Clarke

The summer of 2019 is one that Edmonton Stingers power forward Brody Clarke will never forget.

The 23-year-old, University of Alberta Golden Bears product has got to experience pro basketball for the first time as a member of the Stingers, and he also got to proudly wear Canada’s colours in the 2019 Summer Universiade in Napoli, Italy.

He’s made memories that will last a lifetime.

“It was such a memorable day when I got to suit up and play my first game with the Stingers and be in that environment and hear familiar voices in the stands cheering for me,” said Clarke.

“Then, to get to wear Canada’s colours and represent my country was incredible. Any opportunity to wear Canada’s colours is special, but it just added to it even more. It wasn’t just basketball. Everybody was there competing in so many other sports from 120 countries. It was something I’ll never forget.”

Representing Canada runs in Clarke’s family. His father Norman played for Team Canada in the 1988 Olympics.

This was Clarke’s third time representing Canada on the hardwood. He played for Canada at the U-19 World Cup in 2015, and the U-16 Americas Championship in 2011, but this experience at the Universiade reached a whole new level.

The Universiade is the second-largest multi-sport event outside of the Olympics.

“My emotions were running so high. I ended up getting 10 seconds of fame on the webcast during the opening ceremonies, and I don’t even remember it. I was in a total state of Cloud 9,” said Clarke.

“Fans were there from all over the world. Canada’s contingent were sitting there waving flags and wearing their Canada gear.

“All your life you watch the Olympics, and my family has always been big in watching the opening ceremonies, and we’d always cheer for Canada coming in. To be a part of that, was memorable. It’s something I’m glad I got to experience in my life.”

Clarke averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 rebounds during the tournament, as Canada finished sixth.

It’s been a summer of development and growth for Clarke both on and off the basketball court.

The product of Toronto, has been one of the top U SPORTS players in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.

He’s suited up for four home games with Edmonton and averaged 7.5 points, 3 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

“Getting this chance with the Stingers is developing me in a lot of different ways. I’m expanding my game, but I’m developing and growing in more than just basketball,” said Clarke.

“I’m being put in different situations, I’m not familiar with, and I’m having to adapt and adjust and find different ways to contribute.

“It’s an opportunity for me to learn as much as I can from guys that have played different levels of professional basketball -- and I’m soaking it in.”

Clarke is the highest scoring U SPORTS player in the CEBL this season. He’s been given the opportunity to play solid minutes off the bench from the coaching staff, and he also has one of his Golden Bears coaches, Jordan Baker as a teammate.

“I look up to Jordan Baker for a lot of things. He’s been a superb mentor for me the last three years,” said Clarke.

“To be able to play on this team with him is special, because it helps my transition. He’s in my ear. He knows he’s not only my coach, he’s my teammate during this season and he’s always wanting to help me get better.”

Clarke will make his return to the lineup on Aug.1 when the Stingers return home and play the Fraser Valley Bandits.

Edmonton’s the hottest team in the CEBL over the last six weeks, and Clarke is ready to help the Stingers get set for Championship Weekend before he heads back to the University of Alberta for his final season.

“I’m confident in my teammates and they’re confident in me, and that contributes to how well I’ve been able to perform,” said Clarke.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. I’m confident, and I believe in myself when I step on the basketball court. It’s something I expect of myself, and I can be proud I’ve been able to contribute at a professional level.”

Clarke has helped lead the Golden Bears to three straight trips to the U SPORTS Final 8 tournament and as he enters his final year with the U of A, his goal is to help Alberta win a Canada West title and be a national championship contender once again.

“I have to use my experience (with the Stingers) when I get back to the Bears and help be a leader and help us as a team get better,” said Clarke.

“Everybody just wants to win. I’m excited going forward. I’m ready to take the big role on again and I expect us to have another great season.”