Illinois Basketball: Illini show strong support for Skyy Clark leave of absence

Dec 17, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Skyy Clark (55) drives the ball against Alabama A&M Bulldogs guard Messiah Thompson (1) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Skyy Clark (55) drives the ball against Alabama A&M Bulldogs guard Messiah Thompson (1) during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Former 5-star recruit Skyy Clark released a statement Friday afternoon confirming his leave of absence from the Illinois basketball program.

Within the last several hours, a report surfaced Friday afternoon from IlliniGuys about freshman guard Skyy Clark and his absence from the Illini just 14 games into the 2022-23 season.

Clark appeared in 13 games, averaging 7.0 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.

Across his social media pages, Clark addressed the Illinois fanbase about his temporary departure from the program and why it is necessary at this time. As of this writing, Illinois sits at 9-5 (0-3 Big Ten) and hosts No. 14 Wisconsin Saturday afternoon on ESPN2.

"“I want to start by saying that I love the University of Illinois, my coaching staff, my teammates and the broader (Illinois) community,” Clark wrote Friday. “I made friendships in these few short months that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. This decision has nothing to do with basketball, but it does have everything to do with prioritizing myself and my family’s wellbeing.“For personal reasons, I need to step away from basketball for the time being – putting myself and my family first. I appreciate everyone’s support during this time, but please respect not only my privacy but the privacy of all those around me.”"

The Montverde Academy product had originally committed to Kentucky before changing his mind and landing in Champaign. With his absence, it will allow other emerging superstars like Jayden Epps and Ty Rodgers to fill the void, along with veterans Matthew Mayer and Terrance Shannon Jr.

Brad Underwood also released a statement on Twitter in support of Clark.

"“Skyy has made the decision to take some time away from basketball,” Underwood said. “He remains a valued part of our program and will continue to receive our full support. Skyy is a thoughtful, caring young man who right now needs to prioritize himself and his family. This is bigger than basketball. We understand that and stand with him every step of the way.”"

Where does the Illinois basketball program sit right now?

The Illini are searching for answers after beginning the season as one of the frontrunners to repeat as Big Ten regular season champions. Losses to Virginia, Maryland, Penn State, and Northwestern have seen the program fall into a tailspin just after the start of the new year.

A victory against the Badgers could be the start of a mid-season turnaround that Illinois fans are accustomed to, but only time will tell.