Reports: Louisville basketball reaches out to former Kentucky signee Skyy Clark

Louisville basketball head coach Kenny Payne makes a big splash on the recruiting trail by reaching out to a former Kentucky signee.

When Louisville basketball head coach Kenny Payne was hired, most believed that one of the better recruiters in the country would help bring in future top-tier talent.

Payne got involved right away by reaching out to Xavier de-commit Tyrell Ward.

Now, the former Kentucky and New York Knicks assistant has reportedly been in touch with long-time Wildcats commit Skyy Clark.

The 6’3,” 200-pound guard from Montverde Academy committed to UK in October of 2020, then went on to sign with the Cats in this year’s early signing period.

However, in the last month, Clark has cooled on his pledge and ultimately backed out of his Letter of Intent.

Louisville head coach Kenny Payne has been in contact with five-star PG Skyy Clark, source tells @247Sports.

— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) March 25, 2022

Now, according to Travis Branham of 247Sports and Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers, the recruitment is heating up between Clark and Louisville.

Here’s what Eric Bossi of 247Sports had to say about Clark earlier this month:

Any updated scouting report of Clark has to start off by mentioning that he’s still in the process of getting to 100%. He tore his ACL last spring and managed to return to the floor by January. The speed with which he was able to recover and get himself back into playing shape is notable in that nobody is capable of doing that without an impressive work ethic and commitment to hard work.

While Clark was able to make a quick return to the floor, he was understandably rusty. During his return, Clark lacked some of the explosion at the rim and ability to shake defenders off the bounce that he had prior to getting hurt. Hopefully, that comes back with time. Clark has always had good strength and he came back from injury stronger than ever and that strength allows him to play through and off of contact and should serve him well when he makes the transition to college.

At this point his development, it is probably fair to classify Clark as more of a scoring point guard than traditional playmaker. When he’s at his best he is attacking downhill, making use of his dangerous jump shot and deep range and playing in an aggressive manner on the offensive end. He is certainly a capable playmaker for others but when that becomes the sole focus of his game, he can be a bit too passive in looking for his own offense. The rocks of his game are his tight ball-handling and creativity offensively.

Does Clark fit at Louisville?

One would think the interest between Clark and the Cards is mutual because of an immediate opportunity for playing time.

With every roster spot virtually up in the air heading into the 2022-23 season, it is uncertain how this team will be built on the wings and down low.

However, we do know Louisville basketball is desperate for guards. After the departures of Jarrod West, Mason Faulkner, and Noah Locke, Louisville is only left with El Ellis in the backcourt in a best-case scenario.

The Cards need to fill out the roster with at least 3-to-4 more ball-handlers and Clark could be a player to come in and run the show right away.

Skyy Clark to Louisville makes too much sense for this to not be a serious conversation between the two parties going forward.