British Basketball legend and former Manchester Giants star Dan Clark has announced his retirement from playing professional basketball.
The London 2012 Olympian, whose final season has ended up being his only one playing domestically is fresh off becoming GB men’s all-time caps leader during their recent EuroBasket campaign last month, adding to his all-time points and rebounding leader titles.
“It’s been a tough decision and I think it’s one not many people will be expecting,” Clark told Hoopsfix.
“It comes down to me being at peace with what I’ve done, I’m happy and more than proud of what I’ve done in my career. In life everything comes to an end and I think it’s important to be able to realise that. I’m lucky enough that other doors are starting to open and I just feel like it’s the right time for me personally.
“I’m obviously going to miss playing more than anything, the day-to-day grind, the times in the locker room with the teammates, the trips, just the day-to-day lifestyle I’ve become used to over all the years. It’s going to drastically change. But I think I’m in a good position, mentally and feel really good physically which I think is a real plus point.
“Being able to walk away from the game on my own terms not because I’ve been forced to, with injuries or anything else. I feel really good at the moment, I feel really at peace with the decision I’ve made and I think I’ve made it for the right reasons.
“There are many people to thank but a special thanks to Mum, Dad and Ella without them believing in me and allowing me to pursue my dreams, pushing me to be better, but more importantly always being there, none of this would have been possible.
“Also all my coaches but especially Alberto Lorenzo; a tough coach that pushed me to get the most out of myself and turned into a friend for life. There are too many good people to mention but I love and appreciate you all!”
Clark, who made his GB Senior debut against Poland in 2009, amassed 119 caps in total, being the only player to surpass 1000 points (1,100), and the only player to surpass 500 rebounds (555) while ascending to become team captain and a constant presence every summer.
He finishes his international career all over the all-time GB leaderboard, aside from being number 1 in men’s appearances, points, rebounds (both total, offensive and defensive), he is also the leader in blocked shots, field goals made, 2-point field goals made and 3-point field goals made.
He made his professional debut in a EuroCup game as a 17 year old, and went on to a 17 year professional career, with all but 2 of them in Spain.
A big advocate of British basketball, Clark is currently in the midst of completing his Sports Management and Politics Masters at Manchester Metropolitan University, and is preparing to make a move into a front office role with a professional basketball team.
