Real Deal Spotlight: Keith Clark

Mention Keith Clark and a couple of things will pop up. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward from Putnam City High School would mention his dream of playing in the pros and people are also quick to point out he's looking at his home state Sooners. The class of 2006 prospect has changed his tune a bit but his game has still stayed the same.

Playing with the Athletes First AAU program, Clark has had the opportunity to show off his perimeter skills. That's his bread and butter. Not bad for a guy with his size. Maybe that's why he's been often times mentioned as a guy looking to bypass the college game altogether if that option presents itself. However, Clark has changed his tune a bit.

"This (AAU season) pretty much determines what I'm going to do next year college wise, like who all I'm considering," Clark said. "I don't know about (the NBA) yet. I'm thinking about it but I don't think I'm ready for all of that yet. I mean college will do me some good first."

Clark said USC, Kansas, Texas A&M, UAB and Charlotte are the schools he's looking at and hearing from the most at the present time. "My options are all open," Clark said. Look closely at his list and there is a glaring omission. Oklahoma is missing. How come?

"They've been getting a lot of people. I don't see where I could get in and where I would fit in that situation," Clark said. "They just got a guy that is 6-8 and he's pretty good. Me and him would be battling for spots if I went there. I know that's not going to work between me or him."

When college coaches could hit the road to see prospects for the first time two weeks ago, Clark said the basketball office at Putnam City HS remained empty. Coaches bypassed the trip to see him.

"I didn't have anybody come by to see me," Clark reports. "I'm pretty sure it's a little bit out of the way in Oklahoma. I feel like I pretty much got left out. Nobody came to see me. It's made me a little unsure about some things."

Clark has not taken the ACT yet (he will in May) but says he's unofficially visited Oklahoma on a couple of occasions and he's traveled up to Lawrence to see the Kansas campus.

The big man will hit the road again this weekend for the Next Level tournament in the Dallas area. College coaches are allowed to evaluate players on Saturday and Sunday.