UCLA's Mick Cronin Loses Double-Digit Scorer to Transfer Portal, But There's a Catch

Skyy Clark, a popular player known for his viral March Madness moment, faces an uncertain future as he enters the transfer portal.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's face and body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of deep blue, vibrant red, and earthy ochre, conveying the complex challenges facing the player as he considers his next steps.A fractured, cubist portrait captures the uncertainty surrounding Skyy Clark's future as he navigates the transfer portal and waiver process.Los Angeles Today

UCLA basketball head coach Mick Cronin is dealing with the loss of guard Skyy Clark, who has entered the College Basketball Transfer Portal. Clark, who averaged 11.5 points per game last season, faces a dilemma as he needs a waiver to play an additional year of college basketball. If he's denied the waiver, Clark may need to pursue a professional career in the NBA or elsewhere.

Why it matters

Skyy Clark's departure is a significant loss for UCLA, as he was a key contributor and fan favorite. His transfer could impact the Bruins' roster and their chances of making a deep NCAA Tournament run next season. The waiver decision will also have a major impact on Clark's future plans.

The details

Clark, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, started his college career at Illinois before transferring to Louisville and then UCLA over the past two seasons. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 11.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. However, his future is uncertain as he needs a waiver to play an additional year of college basketball. If he's denied the waiver, Clark may need to hire an agent and pursue a professional basketball career.

  • Skyy Clark entered the College Basketball Transfer Portal on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who is looking to lead the team past the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament next season.

Skyy Clark

A 6-foot-3 senior guard who averaged 11.5 points per game for UCLA last season and is now entering the transfer portal, facing an uncertain future due to the need for a waiver to play an additional year of college basketball.

Trent Perry

A player who is returning to the UCLA Bruins for the 2026-27 season, signaling that he will be a key part of the team's offense and Final Four aspirations.

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What they’re saying

“The 6-foot-3 senior guard averaged 11.5 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game and 2.0 assists per game in 25-26. Started career at Illinois before moving to Louisville and then UCLA the past two seasons. He needs a waiver for an additional year.”

— Joe Tipton, Reporter, On3/Rivals

What’s next

The judge in Clark's waiver case will decide in the coming weeks whether he will be granted an additional year of eligibility or if he will need to pursue a professional basketball career.

The takeaway

Skyy Clark's transfer from UCLA highlights the challenges student-athletes face when navigating the complex rules and regulations of the college basketball landscape. His situation underscores the importance of waivers and the impact they can have on a player's future plans, both in college and potentially as a professional.