UCLA Basketball: Bruins Considered Top Destination For Transfer Guard

In the wake of a 16-17 season, UCLA men's basketball head coach Mick Cronin knows he must hit the transfer portal for some reinforcements. The team has a number of needs it must address moving forward. Top on the list would be shooting (UCLA was one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the country this past year). Grabbing some athleticism at the wing spots would be ideal, and also some veteran leadership across the board.

With the portal in full swing, the Bruins might be on the cusp of getting some good news.

247Sports recruiting guru Travis Branham launched a crystal ball in favor of UCLA landing transfer guard Skyy Clark.

Clark played this past year at Louisville. The sophomore was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 13.2 PPG on 41.2 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from three. Clark began his career at Illinois before eventually transferring at the end of last year.

A former 2022 5-star prospect, Clark is a native of Los Angeles. The 6’3” guard is known for his ability to score the basketball. He dropped 36 points during the ACC Tournament in a loss to NC State. While not an exceptional athlete, Clark’s playmaking skills could be a nice complement to Dylan Andrews next season.

UCLA needs people that can score the basketball, and Clark fits the bill here. He’s not known as an elite defender. However, if there’s one coach you’d want teaching the principles of on-ball defense and the like, it would be Cronin.

This is just the start of UCLA’s offseason. It seems likely the Bruins would try and target multiple guards in the portal, not to mention a strong wing defender and an upgrade at the four spot. We’d also expect a few Bruins to enter the portal in the process.

Assuming the Bruins can keep sophomore Adem Bona from heading to the NBA draft, this should be a much improved team next year based on the expected returners along with the possible additions via the portal.