BREAKING: Kentucky signee Skyy Clark requests release from program

Kentucky guard signee Skyy Clark has decided to reopen his recruitment, the four-star guard announced Sunday afternoon.

Originally committing to Kentucky back on October 22, 2020, the top-35 prospect in the class of 2022 will pursue other college and professional options.

“First and foremost I would like to thank Coach Cal, the entire coaching staff at UK as well as BBN for all the love and support you all have shown me over the past 2 years,” Clark announced. “It honestly means the world to me. And that is what has made this decision such a tough one for me. But after a lot of thought and reflection I have decided to ask for my release from the University of Kentucky so I may reopen my recruitment.

“I will take the next few weeks to regroup with my family to figure out what is the best move going forward. Thank you all and God bless.”

Clark is rated as the No. 32 overall prospect and No. 7 combo guard in the latest On3 Consensus, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard was one of four prospects in Kentucky’s 2022 signing class, joining No. 1 overall recruit Shaedon Sharpe and top-10 prospects Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston. All four players signed with UK in November to open the early signing period, with Sharpe later joining the program as a mid-year enrollee in January.

With Clark now exploring his options and high-level guard options extremely limited among senior prospects, Kentucky is expected to hit the transfer portal to find another backcourt option. Kellan Grady and Davion Mintz have run out of eligibility, and TyTy Washington is expected to declare for the NBA Draft. Sharpe’s status is also up in the air, as the five-star guard will be eligible for the draft despite never playing a minute at Kentucky.

Sahvir Wheeler will consider a return for his senior campaign, with Iowa transfer CJ Fredrick also set to join Wallace in the backcourt next season. Livingston has split time at the three and four in high school, leaving another versatile wing option for the Wildcats. Despite limited playing time as a redshirt sophomore, in-state guard Dontaie Allen also remains on the roster.

This is the second year in a row Kentucky has lost a backcourt signee in the spring, with Nolan Hickman decommitting from the program back in April of last year. UK immediately granted his release from the program, with the McDonald’s All-American later signing with Gonzaga. Kentucky would ultimately add both Washington and Wheeler in May.