Prospect Corner: Skyy Clark

Prospect Corner: Skyy Clark

Skyy Clark is not your regular 2022 basketball prospect. On the court, he is a 6’2 190 magic ball handler with an arsenal of offensive moves. He plays for Heritage Christian in Northridge, California and has been fed knowledge by the greatest basketball player to ever play, LeBron James. Off the court, Clark works harder than your average young basketball player. Perfecting his craft and readying his skills for the next level.

Clark could be one of those players that comes straight out of high school or is a one and done. Whether it’s the 2022 or 2023 NBA draft Skyy Clarke looks like a certified NBA lottery pick. Watching so many good ball handlers throughout high school, no one is better than Skyy Clark. We had a chat for Prospect Corner for NBA Draft Room.


LJ: When it’s your time what type of impact can you bring to an NBA roster?

Skyy: When/ if I’m fortunate enough to play in the NBA I will bring leadership, toughness and all around great play anytime that I’m on the court. I take pride in playing both sides of the ball.

LJ: Its being said the NBA could take away one and done by the time you are draft eligible. Is skipping college going to the NBA something you will consider if the option is there?

Skyy: If I’m blessed to be in the conversation to come right out of high school I would definitely have to entertain that. It’s every players dream to play in the NBA and if it’s a first round guarantee I feel you have to look into it.

LJ: What do you think of RJ Hampton going overseas? Does that option intrigue you?

Skyy: I think RJ and his family did what they felt was best for him to prepare him for the NBA. He’s an extremely great player who has a very bright future so he couldn’t go wrong either way I don’t think.

LJ: What NBA player do you model your game after?

Skyy: People tell me I remind them so much of Kyrie Irving to the point my AAU coach and teammates on Strive for Greatness nicknamed me Skyrie (laughs) and he is definitely someone I look up to and try to take parts of his game as you can see by the way that I play. He’s my favorite current player.

LJ: That circle you have being around a talented bunch like Bronny James, Jahzare Jackson, and Dior Johnson. How does being around a talented group help you?

Skyy: Playing on team Strive for Greatness helped me because having so many great players it teaches you to always have to bring it every practice and every game or you may get passed over by the next person because the team was so strong. We had a really close brotherhood so we pushed each other like brothers. We only wanted the best for each other.

LJ: Your ball handling skills are special. How much training do you do off the court?

Skyy: I train every day, my handle came from watching videos of Kyrie Irving and also working with my bro Dribble2Much a lot, he has trained me since I started playing ball. I also worked with a trainer named Travis Nichols on some stuff as well but Dribble2Much got my handle super nice but he is so much more than just a dribbling trainer so don’t let his name fool you.

LJ: I call LeBron James the perfect basketball chess player because of his masterful IQ on the court to be a coach and a player with the ball. What has he been able to teach you that reflects your play on the court?

Skyy: Bron helped me in game by just giving me advice on situations and what to do if it happens next time. It’s really like having a cheat code having him because he’s the greatest player in the game and you just have to soak up any information he gives you because it’s really a once in a lifetime thing to have the best player basketball has seen giving you knowledge plus it’s pretty amazing to see him going crazy when you dunk or hit a big shot, it really gives you the confidence to feel like you can accomplish anything out there on the court.

LJ: It's a lot of good players that reach the NBA but the game is 90 percent mental. What about your character will NBA teams love that guarantee you are the right player.

Skyy: Things that will let NBA coaches or GM’s know they are making the right decision with me is that I put all my faith in God and that they would be getting a player that will never stop wanting to be the best player, teammate, or person around. They will get a true leader and someone they can build their franchise around.

LJ: What has been your most impressive game so far in your basketball career? What were the stats of that game?

Skyy: I have had so many 30 or 40 point games that I honestly don’t remember. I try to not dwell on the past very much but I have had some big games but if you twist my arm the game where I hit the game winner in front of LeBron was pretty memorable, I mean how could it not be (laughs)

LJ: What top high school prospect did you have the best game against? What were your numbers that game?

Skyy: I’m only a sophomore and my freshman high school season I didn’t get to play against many top players in Cali but this season will be different we have some top teams we are playing against so I will definitely keep you posted on that. But as far as impressive games as a freshman I had quite a few 30+ point games with double digit rebounds and assists.

LJ: California has continued to have some of the most talented prospects in country each class. Do you feel you are the best in 2022? Why?

Skyy: Cali is loaded with talent right now especially in 2022 and I feel like I’m the best because of my total body of work and everything that I bring to the table as a player.

LJ: Tell me about coming up in Northridge and the type of town it is?

Skyy: Well I just recently moved to the Northridge, Ca area but I’m actually from Minneapolis, MN. We moved away from there to Atlanta, Ga when I was 4 years old and moved to Calabasas, CA when I was 9 years old. I lived in Calabasas for the most part since we moved to Cali. The type of place it is just like the rest of Los Angeles is that it’s pretty magical. You see any and everybody out here like all of the stars and everybody is more normal than you think.

LJ: When did you know you wanted to play basketball?

Skyy: Well I didn’t start playing basketball until I was 10 years old but it was around 7th grade when I knew I wanted to take it seriously, something just clicked one day and I all of a sudden fell in love with it and wanted to be the best player on every court I stepped on.

LJ: Tell me about the influence of your parents and what their support means to you?

Skyy: My parents mean everything to me. They have been very supportive of me and my career but they also have kept me strong in my faith in God and kept me humble and also let me be a kid so it’s a good balance. My dad Kenny Clark is an ex NFL player for the Vikings and my mom Sarah was a celebrity makeup artist but she gave that up when she got pregnant with me so she could be the best mom possible and be a true mother to me and my brothers and sisters.

LJ: What will the basketball future get out of Skyy Clark?

Skyy: The basketball future will get a Skyy Clark that will always give you his best and always aim to take your breath away!!!!

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Prospect Corner: C.J. Walker

credit: Jon Lopez/Nike

CJ Walker is next in a long line of “Unicorn” athletes in the next generation of basketball. He is 6’8 190 and can jump out the gym. His moves to the basket are swift, finishing with explosive powerful. He has a long range jumper, a deadly fade away, a cross-over that finishes with a dunk and a consistent mid-range game. If you watch him play there's one guy that comes to my mind: Tracy McGrady.

Walker plays for Oak Ridge high school in Orlando, Florida. He committed to the Oregon Ducks from the class of 2019. He is ranked 30th in the nation by 247 sports and 29th in the nation by Rivals. He is rated as a 5-star prospect and is ranked as the 24th prospect in the 2021 NBA draft class by NBA Draft Room. We talked about the impact he brings to an NBA team and why he chose Oregon.

LJ: You have great athleticism. What type of impact do you feel you would bring to an NBA team day one?
CJ: Being able to defend multiple positions. Do whatever it takes for my team to be successful.

LJ: Why did you commit to Oregon? What stands out about the Ducks?
CJ: Oregon had a plan for me starting day 1 when I arrived to campus in June. They were very detailed with their plan.

LJ: What has been your best game this season? What were your stats that game?
CJ: Best game was probably when I went for 32 points 16 rebounds and 5 blocks but most importantly we got the win.

LJ: What did you average last season?
CJ: 13ppg 10.1 rbg and 2.8 bpg.

LJ: What top prospects have been the most competitive you have played against?
CJ: Precious Achiuwa no doubt he brings out the best in me.

LJ: What NBA player do you feel resembles your skills the most?
CJ: A lil bit of Jayson Tatum and Kevin Knox

LJ: What makes you an impact prospect?
CJ: My motor and versatility.

LJ: As a teammate what will an NBA team like about you?
CJ: People person, always willing to help others, love being in the community.

LJ: What struggles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? How was it growing up in Orlando?
CJ: Actually I’m from Sanford, FL which is like 20 mins from Orlando. It’s easy to do wrong and go left in Sanford I’m faced with crime, drugs and fast money every day but there also positives in Sanford too I’m just trying to be a positive role model to the young generation.

LJ: How are your parents an influence in your life? Being an elite player and dealing with so much attention, how have they helped you?
CJ: My parents are my world. They built the foundation in me and that foundation is what people see today I’m a reflection of them.

LJ: If you could pick an NBA team to play for what team would you pick?
CJ: Any team that would take a chance on me.

LJ: What NBA player would you like to play one on one?
CJ: LeBron and Antonio Blakeney

LJ: Why are you a 5-star?
CJ: Because of my work ethic and finally showing my potential and I’m not even done yet being a complete package, still have ways to go.

LJ: How do you feel you make a team better?
CJ: Just by doing the dirty work. I actually love taking charges.

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1 on 1 with Sidd Chaudhuri

If you talk real ballers you're talking Sidd Chaudhuri. At 6-0 164 Sidd Chaudhuri gives you an impact guard on both sides of the floor. On offense, he has the handles to embarrass any defender; Chaudhuri has the ability to do what he wants to defenders when the ball is in his hands. He has the smoothest all-around offensive game in his class and is only going to get better; yea I said he is going to get better.

Sidd is ranked as a top prospect for his class one of the best in his class for the combo guard position. He is a dangerous addition to any offense at both guard positions but really Sidd Chaudhuri only has one position and that is the position made famous by NCAA Scouts: Sidd Chaudhuri is a”Killa”. You want a winner that is Sidd Chaudhuri. You want a leader that is Sidd Chaudhuri. Many spoke with me for NBA Mock Draft Room about his NCAA future and more.

LJ: What did you average during your AAU years?
SC: I had averaged 26 PPG, 5 Rebounds, and 8 Assists.

LJ: When did you notice your buzz as a basketball player start to take off?
SC: I noticed my buzz take off as a player during Cali's AAU tournament for the Adidas Gauntlet when I scored 50 in front of the top coaches in the country.

LJ: What will NBA teams like about your character?
SC: I mean, it's still too early though I feel like NBA teams will like that I always have a smile on my face, I’m always having fun. Also all my life I’ve been a We before me player, I just want to see my whole team eat.

LJ: What will stand out about you off the court?
SC: I’m a fun guy, just like to chill with my teammates.

LJ: Do you want the ball in your hands at the end of games? Why?
SC: Always, but not for the reason people might think. I want the ball in my hands in the end of the game to make a play, not only score. I live for that kind of stuff.

LJ: The Duffy Boys movement. Tell me how that started? How did you become a part of that?
SC: Well, Dre, RJ and I started the movement a few years back, we're all close and used this was the way to show our ability in ball and now it is where it is. The rest is history.

LJ: The movement carries weight. Will you all carry this movement to the pros?
SC: Who knows, I’ll always be a Duffy Boy but you never know what the future holds.

LJ: Who is all in the movement?
SC: Honestly after the beginning, I feel now anyone can be apart of this, all you need to be is a real baller.

LJ: How close are you and fellow 2021 NBA top prospect Nimari Burnett?
SC: We are close, that’s family. Anything he needs I’ll be there for him and he’d do the same for me. Our Family are close. That’s my brother.

LJ: If you could choose the NBA team you could play for who would it be?
SC: Well I’m a Laker and a Mavs fan, but I’ll be blessed to whatever team I will hopefully get drafted to.

LJ: You have an intense energy on the court. What is that fire that everyone sees?
SC: I just hate to lose. Me being a point guard the game falls back on me. It’s just me wanting to win.

LJ: Tell me about Melbourne, Australia. What is it like? How was it growing up?
SC: Is great to be real with you. It’s a nice city where everyone knows everyone. Definitely different to California and all that, in a good way though haha. I’m thankful to live and grow up in Australia.

LJ: Your dad is a good guy. What type of bond do you and your dad have? What has he taught you about the game of basketball?
SC: I love my dad; he’s taught me so much about life and basketball. In basketball he’s taught me don’t make the game complicated, keep it simple and you’ll be fine. Also you have to play defense, no debate.

LJ: He talks about how strong your mother is? Talk about how she has been an influence in your life?
SC: My mom is my world, I love her so much, and she’s never missed a game and barely even a practice or workout. That’s my rock!

LJ: What about your game allows you to make the most impact on the court?
SC: I feel like my feel for the game makes me hard to guard. My IQ, when you can be smarter than your opponent makes the game a lot easier.

LJ: You are one of the top prospects in the Class of 2021. Are you a one and done?
SC: God has his own plan for me. But I’m going to work my butt off to get to the NBA because that is my main goal.

LJ: This 2020 recruiting class is supposed to put out some talented prospects for the 2021 NBA draft class. What makes you stand out?
SC: What makes me stand out is I can do everything on the court, full game player.

LJ: What type of player does an NCAA team get when they get Sidd Chaudhuri?
SC: They get a fierce competitor, an all-around player that has the ability to score and pass at will!

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5-Star Corner: Charles O'Bannon Jr

Charles O’Bannon Jr. is an elite shooting guard from the 2017 class. He is 6-6, 210 explosive scorer who is poised for a break out year with the USC Trojans. He is also the son of former NBA player Charles O’ Bannon and nephew of former NBA player and UCLA Bruin legend Ed O’Bannon. He was the 2nd ranked prospect out of Nevada, 10th ranked shooting guard, and 45th ranked prospect in the nation by 247 sports for the class of 2017. O’Bannon Jr. was also ranked 43rd in the nation by rivals and 30th in the nation by ESPN for the 2017 basketball class he received a high 4-star rating by 247 and rivals and a 5-star rating by ESPN.

LJ: What would you bring to an NBA team?
Charles: My style the way that I play. I feel I have like a more natural shooting touch than guys at my position.

LJ: How do you describe your playing style?
Charles: I rangy slasher, scorer, shooter

LJ: What are the coaches saying about your role for USC this year?
Charles: They want me to play my game. One thing I’m starting to take a lot more pride in is defense. I wasn’t really a big fan of it at first but I am starting to have fun now.

LJ: What has your father Charles O’Bannon and your Uncle Ed O’Bannon taught you about the game?
Charles: One thing my dad put me on is the bank shot I feel like that helped me out a lot because when shooting isn’t going right you can always rely on that backboard. He also taught me the jab step, I’m not really the fastest of the guys but I tend to find my way to get around.

LJ: Ed was one of the best players in college basketball when he played. What lessons has he taught you in preparing for the next level?
Charles: Me and Uncle Ed have never really been in the gym like that before. Every time I was in the gym with him were playing horse. It wasn’t never really like a learning thing it would be like right before practice or something like that.

LJ: You clearly have the talent but being prepared mentally means longevity in the NBA. What about your character will NBA teams like about you?
Charles: I’m energetic and always involved. I like to interact with people I am a real people person.

LJ: If you could pick an NBA team who would you play for?
Charles: Any team that would be right for my fit and playing style but if I had to make a pick the Clippers wouldn’t be a bad fit.

LJ: What player have you grown close with on USC?
Charles: All my teammates. We aren’t really a team that divides.

LJ: When did you start playing basketball? When did you know basketball is what you wanted to do?
Charles: When I started playing basketball I was about 5. I never really wanted to play basketball I wanted to play football because I used to watch my mom’s littler brother playing football growing up. I would play basketball just to play it because I was around it. In the 7th grade I started to notice that I could do this and my AAU coaches started telling me if I take this serious I could do something with basketball.

LJ: What made you commit to USC?
Charles: Most the schools were going to offer the same things when it came to basketball. So it was about what a school could offer my future after basketball.

LJ: What stands out about you as a basketball player?
Charles: My charisma and I feel I’m able to do multiple things on the court to impact my team.

LJ: What has improved the most about your game?
Charles: Ball handling, I’m starting to get extreme with this ball in my hands.

5-Star Corner: Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero is one of the elite prospects in the 2021 class. He is a 6-8 220 5-star power forward who plays for O Dea high school in Seattle, Washington. He has an aggressive style of play and is almost unstoppable in transition. He is the top prospect in Washington, the 2nd ranked power forward, 5th ranked prospect in 2021 by 247 sports. I had a conversation with him for the 5-star corner on NBA Draft Room's Prospect Room.

LJ: How does it feel to be a 5-star?
Paolo: It’s a good feeling just because I remember looking at ESPN/247 rankings when I was younger and thinking how I wanted that to be me.

LJ: What do you feel you have to improve on to be the best?
Paolo: I’d say having a consistent 3pt shot.

LJ: What about your game has improved that will be seen this season?
Paolo: My ball handling definitely.

LJ: What were the stats of your best game during the AAU season?
Paolo: 29 points and 9 rebounds at session 3.

LJ: What teams have shown strong interest this early in your recruitment?
Paolo: Washington, Gonzaga, and Oklahoma I’d say have shown the strongest so far.

LJ: Which team is showing the strongest interest?
Paolo: I don’t think there’s been a school that has really separated themselves.

LJ: What visits are you taking soon?
Paolo: I’m just taking these next 11 weeks to get ready for the season.

Sidd Chaudhuri Draft Profile

Position	Height	Weight	From
PG	6-0	168	Melbourne, Australia
Born	Wingspan	Standing Reach	Vertical
7/2/02	NA	NA	NA

Overview 
Sidd Chaudhuri is an elite shooter and flashy play-maker who brings a ton of excitement to the game. He isn't blessed with great athleticism but his advanced skill level makes up for his athletic shortcomings, after taking his talents to IMG Academy.

Strengths
A lights out shooter who has NBA range, and then some, Chaudhuri is a crowd-pleaser with his deep range and flashy passing. He plays with great pace and keeps the defense on it's heels with how he pushes the ball up the court.

Chaudhuri is an advanced ball-handler who possesses a strong left and the ability to take it into the lane with either hand. He is fast and crafty with the dribble and has a quick crossover and a lot of shake n bake moves to get past his man. He can handle against pressure and has a quick change of direction to shake free. He does a nice job of drawing the defense and dropping it off to a teammate in the paint or kicking it out for a three.

His shooting ability is what sets him apart from other prospects and makes him a legit NBA prospect. He can shoot from any angle, even while spinning back towards the basket. He pulls up for deep threes before the defense can step out to guard him and he can hit on a variety of runners and floaters.

Chaudhuri plays with oversized confidence and swagger, which rubs off on his teammates. 

Weaknesses 
Chaudhuri is just an average athlete and lacks top level explosiveness and speed. He doesn't elevate well and his lack of strength and leaping ability make it hard for him to score in traffic and score over length. It remains to be seen if he can put on enough weight and add enough strength to hold his own at the highest levels of play.

Defensively Chaudhuri doesn't bring the same effort and energy that he brings to the offensive end. He lacks the strength to guard bigger PGs and his average quickness can lead to blow-by's. He doesn't always hustle back on defense and seems more concerned with the offensive end of the court.

His lack of defense will be highlighted more and more as he goes up against pro players eventually in the NBA. 

Comparisons

• Poor man's Steph Curry
• CJ McCollum
• Bryn Forbes

5-Star Corner: DJ Carton

DJ Carton is a warrior on the court. He has a complete offensive game that has a combination of strong, physical and smooth play. He is a 5-star point guard who committed to Ohio State in July. He's got the personality and confidence to be a potential face of the Buckeye program.

Carton is 6-1, 190 with a 6-6 wingspan and plays for Bettendorf high school in Bettendorf, Iowa. Carton is ranked a 5-star player by Rivals, ESPN and 247 sports and they all are correct; this dude is the real deal. He is ranked the #1 prospect in Iowa, #2 point guard in the nation, and #24 ranked prospect in the 2019 class by 247 sports. Carton was also ranked #27 by rivals and #24 by ESPN; I had a talk with him about his commitment for 5-star Corner.

LJ: What made you commit to Ohio State?
DJ: The coaching staff and how comfortable I am with this group of guys. They are all my brothers already and I haven’t even played with them yet it just goes deeper than basketball and that’s special to me.

LJ: What makes you a 5-star player?
DJ: What makes me a 5-star player is my feel for the game. I think I have a great IQ for the game and I make others around me better with that on top of my athleticism and now that I have a consistent jumper to fall back on I feel that’s what makes me 5-star caliber player.

LJ: Have you gained a relationship with the recent 2018 Ohio state commits and 2019 commit Alonzo Gaffney?
DJ: Yeah all the 2018 commits I’ve been really close with and with Lonzo I’ve talked to him a lot as well, definitely going to be a brother of mine for a long time, he’s got the same mentality as me and we just click together. I also think we have a good chance of picking one more of my brothers up. I think it has to do a lot with coaches.

LJ: What do you like about Coach Holtman?
DJ: Coach Holtman is creating a great culture that people want to be a part of. He is a special coach who cares for his players.

LJ: What do Ohio State coaches like about you? What have they said about your future with the program?
DJ: They think that I am a national type prospect and that I have a chance to be a great college basketball player. They think I have a good future in store and that I can play the game of basketball for many years.

LJ: What will the country see from you this upcoming high school season?
DJ: They will see a much different player from this summer. I have gotten stronger and become a much better shooter I believe they will see a player who will put up good numbers all-around with a Russell Westbrook type play style.

LJ: What has improved about your game the most?
DJ Most definitely my shooting has improved the most. I have been working on it a lot and just doing different combo moves into a jumper have gained much progress.