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For months it seemed like everything looked great for Kentucky with five-star point guard Skyy Clark, who moved from California to Nashville in the spring. The 6-2 Clark called it a “blessing” when he got the UK scholarship offer in July. Even though he’s not a top 10 player in the 2022 recruiting class, he should be. Numerous recruiting analysts continue to tell me he’s as good as any player in that class — and obviously Kentucky coach John Calipari believes that with the way he made Clarke a recruiting priority.
Clark called Calipari a “legend in college basketball” and admitted most players who dream of playing at the next level have UK on their college list.
“I love coach Cal, he keeps it real and makes no promises,” Clark said.
Clark and his father came to UK last season to watch the Wildcats beat Auburn. He said Kentucky was a perfect fit for him.
Yet in recent weeks it seemed that North Carolina was gaining a lot of momentum with Clark who also had UCLA and Memphis in his final four. He had about 25 total offers.
But on decision day, Clark did what it seemed he was destined to do for months and that was pick Kentucky. He may reclassify to the 2021 class — UK already has a commitment from point guard Nolan Hickman in the 2021 class — and would still fit fine with Calipari’s team. If he stays in the 2022 class, he would fit fine.
He averaged 24.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game at Heritage Christian (Calif). last year while shooting 50 percent overall from the field and 85 percent at the foul line. He’ll play this year at Brentwood Academy.
Clark is also a willing and capable defender who doesn’t back down from guarding the best player on the opposing team. He has big-time shooting range and his basketball IQ is advanced for his age.
“Skyy is a very dynamic player with his creativity and his ability to break down defenses,” Jamal Richardson, one of Clark’s trainers, told ZAGSBLOG. “I think he’s a very under-rated playmaker as well. I think (Kentucky) is going to get a great kid, a worker and somebody who’s driven on wanting to win. He has a great attitude. And obviously, he’s just a great kid off the court as well.”
And he’s coming to Kentucky.
