Thu Apr 17 20:18:35 2008

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Clark to stay at Louisville after all

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Louisville, KY (Sports Network) - Louisville sophomore forward Earl Clark has decided not to place his name in the 2008 NBA Draft and return for his junior season, the school announced Thursday.

Clark initially told Cardinals coach Rick Pitino of his intention to enter the draft on April 3, but never filed the necessary paperwork or signed with an agent.

"Earl is looking forward to having a great junior season," Pitino said. "I'm delighted he has made the prudent decision to return to school. He'll definitely be one of the premier forward in college basketball next season. He's a hard worker that has really improved each day and will continue to do so."

The 6-foot-9 Clark averaged 11.1 points and team-high 8.1 rebounds per game in helping the Cardinals finish 27-9 this season, and make an Elite Eight run in this year's NCAA Tournament.

In the Sweet 16 round, Clark notched his 10th double-double of the season, with 17 points and 12 boards, as third-seeded Louisville downed Tennessee. The Cardinals eventually lost to top-seeded North Carolina in the East Region final, though Clark was named to the East Region All-Tournament team.