Head coach Randy Bennett announced the addition of highly experienced international player and coach Marty Clarke as an assistant coach in the Saint Mary’s College men’s basketball program.
Clarke, who has extensive international playing and coaching experience, will be involved in the operation of all aspects of the Gaels’ program, including recruiting, practice and game preparation and player development.
“I am pleased we were able to add such an experienced coach as Marty Clarke to our staff,” said Bennett. “He has extensive experience as a player and as a coach at every international level and will make a major impact in our program. Along with the recent addition of Jim Shaw as a special assistant, Marty, Eran Ganot and Adam Caporn give us an excellent staff that will help us continue to keep our program operating at a high level.”
A 1991 graduate of Victoria University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, Clarke has served the last three seasons as the head coach of the Adelaide 36ers in the country’s professional National Basketball League. He has also spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach for the Australian National Team and was on the bench during last year’s quarterfinal run at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
During his coaching career, Clarke has worked closely with helping develop some of the top names in the country’s basketball history, including: Andrew Bogut, Patrick Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. He also worked with a number of current and former SMC players, including current assistant coach Adam Caporn, former all-time leading scorer Daniel Kickert and current Gaels Jorden Page and Matthew Hodgson.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Saint Mary’s men’s basketball staff,” said Clarke. “Coach Bennett and Saint Mary’s College have a strong reputation and a proven process to help young people achieve success. My family and I are looking forward to becoming a part of such a welcoming community."
While playing for the Australia Institute of Sport as a youth player, Clarke served as captain of the country’s Junior National Team that finished fifth at the 1987 Junior World Championships in Bormio, Italy.
He joined the NBL’s North Melbourne Giants in 1988 and played 120 games with the club before returning in 1992. After his playing career ended, Clarke served two years as a teacher in his native Tasmania before accepting a position as a regional development manager for Basketball Tasmania.
Clarke returned to AIS as an assistant coach from 1998-2002 before accepting the head coaching position, which he held for eight seasons. While coaching at AIS, he also served as the head coach of the Australian Junior National Team from 2005-09 then accepted a position as an assistant with the Boomers from 2009-12.
Clarke is married to the former Julie Wilts. The couple has four children and resides in Moraga.
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