Clark Gets Added Year of Eligibility : Basketball: Cal Lutheran forward granted another season under medical hardship waiver.

THOUSAND OAKS — Derrick Clark, a starter on Cal Lutheran’s men’s basketball team for the past two seasons, has been granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA under conditions of a medical hardship waiver.

Clark, a 6-foot-4 forward, was named All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after averaging 15.9 points and 7.6 rebounds a game last season to help the Kingsmen win a share of their third consecutive SCIAC title.

Under NCAA rules, which require an athlete to complete four seasons of participation during a five-year period, Clark was a fifth-year senior last season. But the NCAA granted him another year of eligibility because a pair of knee injuries prevented him from playing much at Lassen Junior College in Susanville, Calif., during 1990-92 seasons.

Clark averaged 12 points and eight rebounds a game for Lassen during his freshman year, but suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the 1990-91 season. He did not play at all during the 1991-92 season after he re-injured the knee.

“We’re definitely glad to have him back,” first-year Cal Lutheran Coach Rich Rider said. “He’s such a strong player and excellent leader that he’s nice to have around. He’s one of those kids who leads by example.”

Clark is one of three returning starters--along with point guard Dave Ulloa and forward-center Paul LaMott--from last year’s team that posted a 25-3 record and advanced to the third round of Division III playoffs.

In other developments, sophomore Jason Smith has transferred to Westmont. The 6-5 swingman from Melbourne, Australia, averaged nine points and 4.7 rebounds last season.