The Michael Price Family UCLA Women’s Head Basketball Coach Cori announced the addition of James Clark to the 2024-25 coaching staff.
“I’ve been so impressed with James Clark throughout the years,” said Close, “especially with his elite skill development. When this position opened up, he was an immediate thought for me. I think a strength of ours is already skill development, but Coach Clark just adds to that. Anytime you can help invest in your players and help them get better, it’s a win-win.”
Clark most recently helped lead the Stockton Kings to the best record in the NBA G League during the 2022-23 campaign, earning the No. 1 seed in the 2023 playoffs. His primary responsibility was to work with and develop wing players, and he was also creating player personnel scouting reports for matchups throughout the season. Clark was responsible for team offensive and defensive sets with the Sacramento Kings’ affiliate team. He also assisted the Sacramento NBA team during the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
The player development coach has worked with the Guam National Team (2021) and the Chinese Men’s National Team (2019), helping them prepare for summer international competition. Clark has made NCAA women’s basketball coaching stops at Drexel University, Wagner College and Georgetown University. He has directed year-round player development programs for athletes at all levels – NBA, WNBA, collegiate, high school and youth – and led summer training camps for nearly a decade.
Clark completed his bachelor’s degree in general studies at La Salle University in 2004. While pursuing his degree, he coached with the Philadelphia Belles Girls’ Basketball Club from 2004-07. Clark helped guide the Dragons to four-consecutive postseason tournament appearances over four seasons, a Drexel school record. During his five years in Philadelphia, the Dragons posted a 97-59 record (.621), highlighted by a 24-9 record in 2008-09, a season that was capped by winning the CAA regular season and the CAA postseason tournament, which resulted in a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
“JC is also a relationship builder, he’s a connector,” said Close. “The combination of his heart to invest and impact young people, as well as his ability to develop skills, and help our players get better makes me feel like we got better as a staff with him joining us.”
Clark’s first foray into coaching was serving as head coach of the women’s varsity team at his alma mater, Capuchino High School in San Bruno, Calif. He is also a renowned shooting coach working with NBA and WNBA players; Clark recently prepared Brandon Miller for the 2023 NBA Draft; Miller was selected second overall by the Charlotte Hornets. He also helped train Ben Simmons and Dejounte Murray ahead of the 2016 NBA Draft. Clark also organized and conducted an NBA Pro Day at UCLA in the summer of 2018 that was attended by all 30 NBA teams. Early in his career, Clark worked with the Orlando Miracle of the WNBA.
The California native played collegiate ball at Santa Rosa Junior College, West Georgia College and Bethany College. Clark also played one year of professional basketball in Australia in 2000 before entering the coaching ranks.
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“UCLA is getting a talented coach that’s dedicated to perfecting his coaching skills,” said Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Bobby Jackson. “Coach Clark has an innate ability to get the best out of his players, especially on the skill development side. His love for the game has allowed him to become one of the best skill development coaches in the country.”
“James Clark’s ability to unlock the full potential of his players makes him a tremendous addition to the UCLA Women’s Basketball coaching staff,” said Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Chris Hines. “His dedication to fostering talent and instilling confidence will elevate any program to new heights.”
“I’ve known James Clark since we were 18 years old, a longtime friend and business partner,” said three-time NBA champion and former Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. “He’s a passionate and intelligent coach who brings a ton of knowledge. His ability to help players get better is proven at the highest level. Great coach and even better human!”
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