NBA champion Ian Clark hails Melbourne United’s culture ahead of top-of-the-table clash against red-hot Tasmania JackJumpers

Melbourne United’s former Golden State Warrior Ian Clark has heaped huge praise on one of his “unbelievable” teammates as the title contender seeks revenge on one of its greatest threats.

Ian Clark knows what championship-winning habits look like, having seen NBA superstar Steph Curry deliver on the biggest stage, and he sees similar traits at Melbourne United this season.

Clark’s high praise comes as United prepares to take on the NBL’s hottest team the JackJumpers in Tasmania on Friday night.

The JackJumpers are in second position after four wins, including triumphs over United and the Sydney Kings (twice).

Ian Clark during his championship-winning NBA season with the Golden State Warriors. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

Melbourne will have to be at its best to beat Tasmania at home but there is a quiet belief the side will get the job done in the top-of-the-table blockbuster.

Clark feels that way based on the observations of his United teammates at training.

Being a two-time champion, once alongside Curry and Kevin Durant at the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and again with the Sydney Kings last year, has helped the veteran guard gain invaluable insights into how to win at the highest level.

Clark has carried the lessons with him to United this season and he said the NBL powerhouse had the excellence traits in spades.

“It goes down the line for everyone at the club, man,” Clark said.

“We have a mindset of trying to get better every day and it comes from the top to the bottom.

“Players like (Chris Goulding, Shea Ili and Matthew Dellavedova) have been here for a while, so they have won.

“And even the young guys coming in look to those experienced players to set the tone.

“I’m also learning from those guys. I see how Goulding diligently gets his work in every day and Ili and Delly are exactly the same.

“And it just trickles down. They (United) already have the culture here, so I’m just glad that I’m a part of it.”

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Clark reserved special praise for the NBL’s Curry, veteran United sharpshooter Goulding, who continues to excel in his 17th NBL season.

Goulding is averaging 14.2 points this season and has drained a host of trademark bombs from three that have shocked even his teammates.

“You look up and think, ‘man, how did he do that?’” Clark said.

“I’m glad I’m on this side and not having to guard him because he makes some unbelievable shots.

“Sometimes I’m still in shock. He has been a great teammate. He has welcomed me and made my job easier, not from just making shots but also communicating and being a leader on the floor.

“It’s not a secret what he has been able to do, game in and game out throughout his entire career.

“It has been great being alongside him.”

United recruit Ian Clark has plenty of experience taking on the Tasmania JackJumpers, as shown here when he played for the Sydney Kings. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images.

United faces its biggest test on Friday against Tasmania on the road but Clark expects his side to respond.

“The JackJumpers are a good team,” said Clark, who helped the Kings beat Tasmania in the grand final series last year.

“They have always been there since I’ve been in the league, so you have to come ready to play to handle their pressure.

“They are getting the attention and respect from the entire league.

“They have been playing good basketball these last couple of weeks and they got us one at one recently.

“Now we play them down in Tassie in front of their home crowd on a Friday night.

“They are well coached, they have a group of guys that have been playing together for the last couple of years, they have added a guy like Jordon (Crawford) and they are very sound defensively.”

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS V MELBOURNE UNITED AT MYSTATE BANK ARENA FROM 7.30PM (AEDT) AND LIVE ON ESPN AND KAYO

Originally published as NBA champion Ian Clark hails Melbourne United’s culture ahead of top-of-the-table clash against red-hot Tasmania JackJumpers