UCLA Men's Basketball Perseveres Without Star Guard Skyy Clark

Bruins overcome star player's hamstring injury with contributions from supporting cast

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UCLA men's basketball team has been forced to navigate the Big Ten conference without star guard Skyy Clark, who has missed the past six games due to a hamstring injury. Despite Clark's absence, the Bruins have managed to go 4-2 in his absence, with several players stepping up to fill the void. Sophomore guard Trent Perry has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 16.2 points, 3.2 assists and shooting 41% from 3-point range over the past six games. Other players like Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr. and Eric Freeny have also stepped up on the defensive end to help the team overcome Clark's absence.

Why it matters

Skyy Clark is considered UCLA's best all-around player, and his absence has put the Bruins' NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. The team's ability to win games without their star player is a testament to their depth and resilience, as they fight to secure a spot in the Big Dance.

The details

Clark suffered a hamstring injury during UCLA's game against Iowa on January 3rd. He has continued to contribute to the team in other ways, such as offering advice to his teammates and encouraging them to be aggressive. The Bruins have had to rely on a combination of players to make up for Clark's production, with Trent Perry emerging as the primary scorer in his absence. Perry has stepped up with several strong performances, including a career-high 30 points in a crucial road win over Penn State.

  • On January 3rd, Skyy Clark suffered a hamstring injury during UCLA's game against Iowa.
  • Clark has missed the past six games for the Bruins.

The players

Skyy Clark

The star guard for the UCLA men's basketball team, who is considered the team's best all-around player.

Trent Perry

The sophomore guard who has stepped up in Skyy Clark's absence, averaging 16.2 points, 3.2 assists and shooting 41% from 3-point range over the past six games.

Donovan Dent

The point guard who has taken on increased responsibility in handling the ball, initiating plays, and defending the opponent's best guard in Skyy Clark's absence.

Eric Dailey Jr.

The junior who has become the defensive leader for the Bruins in Skyy Clark's absence.

Eric Freeny

The redshirt freshman who has been dependable and tough, providing physicality and effort off the bench for the Bruins.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nobody wants to be back more than him. He's doing everything he can, but we're just trying to hold down the fort until we can get him back.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Men's Basketball

“Just playing basketball, being confident. The coaching staff is just telling me to let it fly, be aggressive. And of course, you know, with Skyy, he's a great sport and all that. So just try to, you know, step into that role a little bit.”

— Trent Perry, Sophomore Guard, UCLA Men's Basketball

“One thing Eric Freeny'll give you is physicality and fight. As a freshman, you know, at times, he might be out there in the wrong spot, or whatever, but he's never, ever, ever going to lack for giving effort. That's why I signed him.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Men's Basketball

“Stopping players is what we need to do. Just got to continue this type of energy we've been bringing.”

— Eric Dailey Jr., Junior, UCLA Men's Basketball

What’s next

Skyy Clark is questionable to return for UCLA's game against Oregon on Wednesday, January 31st. The Bruins will continue to rely on their supporting cast to hold down the fort until Clark can fully recover from his hamstring injury.

The takeaway

UCLA's ability to win games without their star player Skyy Clark demonstrates the team's depth and resilience. While Clark's absence has put the Bruins' NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, the emergence of players like Trent Perry, Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr., and Eric Freeny has allowed the team to weather the storm. This experience could prove invaluable for the Bruins as they look to secure a spot in the Big Dance and make a deep postseason run once Clark returns to full strength.