Fansided

2016-17 College Basketball All-Injured Team

By Charlie Maikis

Jan 29, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) drives past St. John's Red Storm forward Tariq Owens (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) drives past St. John's Red Storm forward Tariq Owens (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 01: Chris Clarke
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – FEBRUARY 01: Chris Clarke /

Sixth Man: Chris Clarke

Team: Virginia Tech

Stats: 11.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.3 APG

Clarke is a do-it-all forward for a deep Virginia Tech team. Whether it was starting or coming off the bench, Clarke was good for a boost of energy to the Hokies’ side. With the third-highest usage on the team behind seniors Seth Allen and Zach LeDay, he was often a go-to on the offensive end. Making nearly 62 percent of his 2s on over 6 shots per game, he was efficient when scoring as well. Posting the 3rd-best assist rate on the team and the best defensive rebounding rate, he was everywhere. He also got to the free throw line often, with the 28th-best free throw rate in the entire nation. His bit-of-everything style made him perfect for a good Virginia Tech offense where he was not asked the be the focal point.

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A sturdy 6-foot-6 wing, he is a versatile defender as well. Quick hands led to 1.7 steals per 40 minutes, a solid mark for someone playing at forward. Clarke often matched up against the opponents’ best player unless he happened to be a point guard or center. That kind of loss obviously hurts a team on the bubble like the Hokies. Virginia Tech’s aforementioned depth means that Clarke’s absence won’t affect them as much as it might some other teams. That makes him perfect for the sixth man role on this team. Capable players like Ty Outlaw, Justin Bibbs, and Ahmed Hill will pick up the slack he left. Even if they do make the tournament, a shorter bench my not hurt them as much as previously thought.