UCLA Has 2 Reasons Why Skyy Clark Needs To Step Up

Breaking down Skyy Clark's play since his return

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Chad Baker-Mazara (4) hits the floor as he tries to drive past UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

If Skyy Clark is unable to find consistency, the Bruins could exit the tournament very early.

Prior to his injury, Clark was UCLA’s second-leading scorer. However, since returning, he has not played at his usual level. Now that he is back in the starting lineup, his impact needs to be felt if UCLA hopes to make a deep tournament run.

Feb 17, 2026; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) drives past Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn Images

Over last four games...

In his last four games since returning, Clark is averaging just 8.5 points per game — a sharp decline from the 13.5 points per game he averaged before his injury against Iowa in January. If he is unable to increase that production, the Bruins could be in trouble.

Minutes have not been an issue. Clark has played 20-plus minutes in each game since his return after logging just 16 minutes in his first game back against Michigan. With his role now solidified as a starter, his production simply has not matched expectations.

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Trent Perry (0) drives to the basket past Southern California Trojans center Gabe Dynes (45), Terrance Williams II (5) and Jacob Cofie (6) during the 2nd half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Perry over same time...

Meanwhile, Trent Perry is averaging 13.2 points per game over that same four-game stretch. While the gap is not massive, it is still notable when comparing two players with similar skill sets. It is also worth noting that Perry has played more minutes than Clark.

Clark’s importance comes from his efficiency. This season, he is shooting 47.9% from the field and 47.6% from 3-point range. Those numbers show that when he finds his rhythm, he can be one of UCLA’s most dangerous scorers. The issue has been consistency.

Jan 3, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) controls the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

One factor in his recent struggles is the team dynamic that developed during his absence. Clark missed 10 games, and reintegrating into a functioning rotation is not always seamless. With Perry emerging during that stretch, the offense has adjusted, and trust has shifted.

Clark could be a key factor in the upcoming matchup against Minnesota. While the Golden Gophers have had strong moments this season, they are not a team built to slow down UCLA’s offense. With momentum from wins over Illinois and USC, the Bruins are trending upward.

Jan 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) looks on from the court prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

That is why this game is critical for Clark. If he can knock down multiple 3-pointers and regain his rhythm, UCLA will have a reliable second scoring option once again. His scoring will be critical to any sustained long-term success.

The common trait among teams that make deep tournament runs is consistent production from their top players. If Clark cannot return to form, UCLA’s ceiling will be limited — and an early exit becomes a real possibility.

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruin head coach Mick Cronin communicates during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

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