Bill Clark displayed his old smile and some new hops in Duquesne's season-opening 84-55 victory against High Point (N.C.) that followed lackluster performances in lopsided exhibition victories against Seton Hill and Saint Vincent.

Even his mom called to ask if something wasn't right.

"I told her I was perfectly fine," said Clark, a 6-foot-5 sophomore. "I wasn't really putting my heart all-out. ... We were winning by 30 or 40 points and the games didn't count. I was waiting for the opener. I was going to perform once the season started."

More impressive than the 14 points Clark scored on a few 3-pointers and acrobatic layups were his high-flying rebounds.

"I jump a whole lot better. My legs are a lot stronger. I did a lot of lifting in the offseason," he said. "It helps me have a jump shot instead of a set shot. And people aren't used to seeing me going to the basket. We're a small team and I know I'm going to be guarding bigger and stronger opponents. Now I have the hops and strength for it."

Clark said the Dukes (1-0) will have to play at the same fast and furious pace they did against High Point when they face Saint Francis (0-2) at 7 p.m. today in Loretto, Pa.

"I think we can keep it up for every game," Clark said. "This team is a lot more coachable and listens more than last year. It was more like an individual thing toward the end of the season. Some of the seniors were worried more about themselves. We're better as a team on and off the court."

Clark, Damian Saunders and Aaron Jackson are the only returnees who made major contributions on last year's 17-13 team.

"I feel like a veteran even though I'm only a sophomore," said Clark, who averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds. "A lot of people will be looking for us to lead. I've always been a captain on every team I've been on, so I'm used to that. I'm a very emotional, very talkative player."

Clark did a lot of talking this summer as a tour guide for Duquesne's admissions office. He showed groups of incoming freshmen, transfers and high school seniors around campus.

"People are always asking me why I came to Duquesne. I hear that 1,000 times a day," said Clark, who grew up in Redondo Beach, Calif., and attended Worcester (Mass.) Academy. His answer? "Basketball. I really don't go out so I haven't seen too much of the city."

He spends much of his time in Palumbo Center working on his game, or in the weight room.

"You're going to see more smiling from me during games," he said. "That's what coach [Ron Everhart] and my mom want. Everybody wants to see me smiling."