Illinois Basketball: Illini ramp up recruitment of 5-star PG Skyy Clark

The Illinois basketball team is squarely in the mix for one of the top recruits in the nation.

While the season is over, that doesn’t stop the Illini coaching staff from preparing for next season and into the future. Illinois is going to be losing some key pieces to the team this offseason, so loading up for the 2022-23 campaign is a priority.

Back on March 8, Illinois started to show some interest in the newly available recruit, Skyy Clark. Clark had been committed to Kentucky and signed with the Wildcats this past November. But one thing led to another and now he is back on the market.

That initial interest from the Illini seems to have turned into a little more in recent days, though. According to Travis Branham of 247Sports, the Illinois coaching staff led by Brad Underwood did an in-home visit with Clark on Friday night.

Adding Skyy Clark to the Illinois basketball roster would elevate this program to new heights.

If you don’t follow recruiting, I don’t think you would realize how big of a deal it is that Illinois is in the mix for Clark. We have a chance to land this type of player, which doesn’t come around too often.

Let me lay it out for you. If Clark does end up picking Illinois, he would be the highest-rated recruit to ever commit to the Illini since 247Sports started back in 2003. He would be ahead of players like Jereme Richmond, Ayo Dosunmu, and Meyers Leonard.

This would be a huge pledge for the Orange and Blue, and the roster would instantly get an upgrade.

I am worried about two positions moving forward. The No. 5 spot is a big concern with Kofi Cockburn potentially departing this offseason. I also have a concern for the No. 1 spot. Illinois didn’t have a true point guard starting this past season. Andre Curbelo could step up into the starting role, but that still leaves the Illini with just one point guard.

Clark would come into the Illinois program and start from day one. There is no question in my mind he would win the job. Not only would he fill an immediate need at the No. 1 guard spot, but he would also improve everyone around him. That is the type of player he is on the court.

If Clark chooses the Illini, we become a serious national title contender overnight. He is a special talent who would elevate this program to new heights.