'Winning Never Gets Old’: Ian Clark Eyes Championship Impact with Phoenix

Clark, who has won championships in both the NBA and NBL, said the lure of meaningful basketball was a major factor in returning to Australia for a fourth NBL stint.

“Winning never gets old,” Clark said. “Any time you get a chance to play for a championship, you can’t take that for granted — no matter the league.”

After a physically taxing run that included a Grand Final appearance in Australia and a deep playoff run in Puerto Rico, Clark took time to reset before rejoining the NBL.

“My body was beat up,” he admitted. “I’m no spring chicken, so I had to take care of myself. The first month was about getting right, then slowly building back up.”

Clark’s return also reunites him with familiar faces, including former championship teammates Jordi Hunter and Angus Glover, helping ease his transition into the Phoenix lineup.

“That history helps,” Clark said. “Those guys reached out when they found out — they were excited, and I was too.”

Known as a reliable two-way guard, Clark describes himself as a “pesky defender” who prides himself on effort at that end of the floor, while also providing shooting and secondary playmaking.

“I try to be consistent on both ends,” he said. “Defence is about effort, and I take pride in that. Offensively, I’m a shooter — but I can also handle, initiate, and relieve pressure.”

With upcoming matchups against several of his former NBL teams, Clark acknowledged the familiarity but stressed the importance of focus as the season intensifies.

“When we step between those lines, it’s business,” he said. “We’re putting ourselves in a good position, but it’s about taking it day by day and playing our best basketball at the end.”

As Phoenix fans await his debut, Clark says he’s ready to get started.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to play in front of the fans and get rolling with the boys. Go Phoenix.”

Message from our newest Phoenix player! 💚 pic.twitter.com/wCgPfHw6A2

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) December 28, 2025