AAC Basketball: 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jun 22, 2023

Mar 5, 2020; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson talks to guard Quentin Grimes (24) and guard Marcus Sasser (0) after a play against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. UConn defeated Houston 77-71. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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AAC Basketball Cincinnati Bearcats forwards Trevon Scott (13) and Gary Clark David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Gary Clark

Cincinnati had a lot of basketball success in the 2010’s and pieces like Clark are a major reason. A 6’7 forward from Clayton, North Carolina, Clark experienced a ton of success in the Bearcats’ backcourt under Mick Cronin. Not only was he a major sparkplug on both sides of the ball, but he was a full-time starter for his entire career and helped lead the Bearcats to four trips to the NCAA Tournament.

He already had impressive metrics as a freshman, but Clark really made his impact later in his career. He averaged double-digit points per game in each of his last three seasons and was a major force on the defensive end. He was one of the conference’s top rebounders and shotblockers throughout his collegiate career. Clark had a ton of double-doubles, including in his final two NCAA Tournament games in 2018, though his career ended with an upset loss to Nevada.

Regardless of how that season ended, Clark was named AAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He had previously earned DPOY honors as a sophomore and was one of the best frontcourt defenders in the nation during his entire career. Cincinnati was in great shape with Clark at the back end on offense and defense. In fact, he still sits as the AAC’s career leader in rebounds and other defensive metrics.