PLAYER PROFILE:     

Player Profile

Edouard Baynes Clarke

Player Profile

Edouard Baynes Clarke

Ed Baynes - Clarke, is a very likeable 22 year old, who is justmoving into his third season with Coventry and Warwickshire Crusaders.

He was first spotted by Crusader boss Dip Donaldson in 2000 whilst he was working in Leeds for Youth for Christ as part of their outreach and basketball programme (Fly).  

Donaldson recognised both Ed's basketball skills and his qualities for working within the community and invited him to train with and then join the Coventry club in time for the 2001/02 season. 

On arrival in Coventry, Ed joined the Crusaders community Coaching and Development team, where he became a full time community coach and is now responsible for the interest shown in basketball by hundreds of childrenand young people through out Coventry and Warwickshire. 

Ed enjoys working with the youngsters, not only passing on his ownknowledge and skills, but also maintaining the Crusader philosophy:-

"To bring basketball to all people regardless of ability, age, size, race or colour." 

The 6'6"  "Gentle Giant!" was born in Karachi Pakistan, in 1981, where his parents were working and where Ed started playing basketball at the age of 10 years, he would shoot a ball into a netball goal as there were no basketball facilities for him.

He jumped at the opportunity to visit the local American school at theweekends to play basketball on a proper court, and by the age of 11 wasalready regarded as a good player.

When in 1995 his father took up the position as Minister at a Church inBristol.  

Ed moved back to England with his parents and two sisters.  

His talent for the game soon became obvious and he became Captain of hisschool basketball team.  

Within 3 months of his arrival in Bristol Ed was invited to play in the National League for Bristol Tomahawks under 17's squad, before moving up to under 19's and under 21's.  

During his time with the Tomahawks he was voted the team player of theyear and in 1999 was selected as the best junior player in the South West Region.

He toured with the team in France playing in front of large enthusiasticcrowds.  

The result of this being that Ed is not daunted when playing in front of the very noisy and equally enthusiastic Coventry Fans, but confident and encouraged by them.

Basketball is not the only sport that Ed is good at. He is a skilled Tennis and Football player and admits to being brought up on Cricket.  

However, at a certain stage in his life he realised that he didn't just want to be good at all sports he wanted to specialise and excel in one.

He chose Basketball. 

Since joining Crusaders and his goal has been get fit and become a keyplayer within the Crusader side.

The strengths in Ed's game are his ability to shoot the ball from both under the basket and the three point line.  

However, last season his aggressive defence came more to the fore making him a very promising all round player. 

His gentle character and positive attitude towards the game has brought him respect from both players and supporter.  

This along with his willingness and self discipline improve makes him an excellent role model for the younger supporters and a great ambassador for basketball as a sport.  

Ed's attitude towards his team is a key factor of his game and despite being a regular member of  Crusader's starting five, Ed's willingness to learn from the bench, play when called upon and not feel that it is his ultimate right to be on the court makes him an all round team player.

"To be totally committed to the team is the most important factor"  

This page was updated by fpadmin on 31 October 1999 23:02   -   Another website by CWN Web Services!