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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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: 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.

5-Star Corner: Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Photo Credit: 247 Sportss

2021 5-star Patrick Baldwin Jr. is not just an elite prospect, he is a unicorn type talent at the young age of 15. Baldwin is the #1 ranked prospect in Wisconsin, #1 ranked small forward and #2 ranked prospect in the 2021 class by 247 sports. He is rated a 5-star by Rivals and ESPN who both have him as the #1 ranked prospect in the 2021 class. He plays for Hamilton high school in Sussex, Wisconsin and is 6-8 200.

Baldwin can score in many ways and is very creative with the ball in his hands. He has point guard skills with elite ball handling at 6-8 and has a deadly long range shot. He can post you up and dominate you inside and is fun to watch in the open court and as a play-maker, with one of the best basketball IQ’s in the country. Baldwin could be the number one pick in the 2022 NBA draft. I talked with him about the early attention he is getting in his recruitment plus what makes him stand out among the best prospects in the nation for 5-star corner.

LJ: What were your averages last season and in AAU?
Patrick: I think in high school I averaged 17 points, 6 boards and in AAU I averaged somewhere around 15 or 16.

LJ: In high school and AAU what were the stats of your best games?
Patrick: High school playing the number one team in the state at the time I had 37 points and 8 boards. Against NY Renaissance and I had 30 points and I made 8 3 pointers.

LJ: Do you have a dream offer?
Patrick: I used to but not really any more. Every school is an amazing opportunity in its own way.

LJ: Can you talk about your interest in Duke?
Patrick: Yeah, obviously you have a well-established power house in college basketball. There really isn’t anything you don’t like. Great coaches, great fans, good facilities, and great location on the east coast. It’s definitely an honor to be recruited by a school that offers so much as an athlete and a student not to mention the prestigious list of alumni.

LJ: Your hometown school Wisconsin. How did it feel to get that offer? What do you like about the Badgers program?
Patrick: Definitely a huge honor as well, like so many other schools they offer so many things that can benefit me on and off the court. It would be nice to play for the state that I would graduate school from.

LJ: UCLA has been a team that has really recruited well the last couple of classes. What do you think of the Bruins?
Patrick: UCLA is a great school really good guards have come out of that school and it definitely is a school that I will take a closer look at moving forward.

LJ: You are one of the top 10 prospects in high school regardless of class. You have the skills to be drafted number one overall When it’s your time. Have you thought about being a one and done?
Patrick: When the time comes when I have to make the decision I will assess all my strengths and weaknesses and whether or not I will be able to make the jump from college or if it’s beneficial to wait one more year.

LJ: What about your skill set makes you stand out. What would you offer to an NBA team as a ball player and a teammate?
Patrick: Right now my biggest asset might just be my versatility. Smaller guards or undersized forwards will really have a hard time as a mid-high post game is something I really work on. I believe I shoot the ball really well at this stage and I’ve been around basketball for so long with my dad being a D1 head coach that moment never gets too big and I will always try to make the best play possible.

LJ: You worked hard to get to this level and got a lot of room to grow, which is scary. What do you feel you need to work on the most to get to the level you want to be?
Patrick: Really right now my base is very strong so now I’m not pushed off balance like I was in the 8th grade and early freshman year. Improving my mobility, improving first step, and consistently working and perfecting basics like shooting and ball handling.

LJ: Who is your favorite Player in the NBA? Who resembles your game the most in the NBA?
Patrick: I believe that I am a product of many players. My two favorite players to watch right now and that I share some similarities with are Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum. Both of those guys are effective off the dribble, can play off the ball and on the ball sometimes. Overall they are just fun to watch.

LJ: You’re intelligent and understand the game at such a young age. Who gets the most credit for your knowledge of the game?
Patrick: Definitely my father. Just growing up and going to work every day with him when he was an assistant coach has really helped me a lot to grow mentally. Just being around high levels of basketball just provides me with a great understanding for basketball.

LJ: Do you have any upcoming visits?
Patrick: None yet

LJ: What’s the strength of your skill set that helps you make the most impact?
Patrick: Really my shooting and ability to create the best shot for my self is really what makes me most impactful. Whether that’s a quick lay up at the beginning to get going or great movement that allows me to drive a close-out or shoot over the top is really important. It’s really difficult to take a man 1 on 5 and score; I always try to find the best shot.