Coach Kenny Brooks believes Clara Strack could be the best passer of any center in the country. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Sophomore Clara Strack can be overshadowed at times by the terrific play of teammate Georgia Amoore, an All-American point guard. However, the 6-5 Strack is having a terrific sophomore season.
She is averaging 15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.7 percent overall from the field and 76 percent at the foul line where she has a team-high 75 attempts. She is also leading the SEC in blocked shots.
“She is the best passing post player in the country,” Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks said. “If you want to argue, show me the person (who is better) and we will have a debate.
“She sees things before they happen. The ball touches her hand and she is kicking it out so quickly and right on the money. Her defense is unbelievable. She leads the conference in blocked shots. She is not a super athletic kid but she has a great feel for the position and where teammates will be.”
Strack played behind All-American center Liz Kitley at Virginia Tech last season but did not try to “mirror” her game.
“She does some things better than Liz did and things Liz did not do,” Brooks said.
He liked that Strack did not try to become Kitley but stuck with what she does best. He marvels at how she can switch on a point guard and still not get hurt defensively. Brooks said getting 15 rebounds in a SEC game like Strack has done shows how special she is.
“She can see plays ahead and pass,” he said. “She is as good at passing the ball as any big in the country.”
The Kentucky coach knows because Strack was a late bloomer (size wise) that she benefits from playing guard when she was younger.
“She was 6-5 and playing point guard when we recruited her,” he said. “I think she can be really special. The thing that goes unnoticed is Clara is supposed to be a freshman. She is only a week older than (freshman) Lexie (Blue), a month older than (sophomore Clara) Silva.
“To understand the game at this speed at such an early age in her career is unbelievable. I hear the NCAA may grant a fifth year of eligibility (for college athletes). I pray for that. She is already putting some people on notice. Some may still not know who she is but I think she will be one of the better players in the country by the time she graduates.”
