Joining Hailey Van Lith, NCAA Star Skyy Clark Signs Major NIL Deal With Adidas

A 6’3 200 lbs PG, Skyy Clark is making waves in the NCAA world. The Louisville Cardinals guard inked a major shoe deal with the sporting goods manufacturing company Adidas on Thursday. Clark’s last NIL deal came when he was with the University of Illinois last season and NextName had formed a major association with his then-team. An Illinois alumni Ryan Thayer founded the Chicago-based company. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise when the media announced this deal.

Clark shares his feelings

Clark was humble in declaring his new association on his social media networking handle X. He shared his surprise with his fans and also stated that he was “proud and excited to be part” of the Adidas family. Additionally, he also reflected that “this path God has put me on has not been easy” and expressed his gratitude for the same. The sporting company reshared his post through their official handle on X and welcomed him to their family. “Welcome to the /// family,” read their tweet.

Adidas had signed an agreement with the NCAA men’s basketball players, namely Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gradey Dick, Hansel Emmanuel, and Jalen Hood-Schifinio last year. The athletes had also come into the three stripe’s eyes since they all played for Adidas-sponsored teams in the high school circuit.

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They thus joined the then-Louisville star Hailey Van Lith in the process. And so for Clark, this is a major step in his journey of being a recognized athlete in the college basketball circuit. 

Clark’s backstory

The sophomore baller had previously come into the spotlight when he decided to enter the transfer portal after plying his trade in 13 matches for the Fighting Illini during the NCAA 2022-23 season. He averaged a meager 7 points with 3.7 rebounds per match in those games. As per St. Louis Post-Dispatch (h/t: Courier Journal), Clark shared his reason as being driven by “myself and my family’s wellbeing”.

The Illinois head coach Brad Underwood too helped the freshman during his tough time by offering “support Skyy every step of the way.” Clark however didn’t turn back after the incident.

He was then acquired by the Cardinals for whom he has played a more central role this season. He averages a decent 15.4 points in the 11 games he has played so far with 3 rebounds per match and 2.5 assists per game. He smoked a career-high 29 points against the New Mexico State Aggies in a 90-84 overtime win. Additionally, he has an astounding 80.7% free throw percentage and a 38.3% field goal percentage.

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With Adidas, he is likely to gain more exposure and cement his name as a tough college athlete. Apart from that, it will also motivate him to improve his performance since he now surely knows that he has the potential to make it big.