• Naismith Defensive Player of the Year (2023)

• #4 NCAA Steals Leader

• #5 NCAA Defensive Rating (84.1)

• #8 NCAA Steals% Leader (5.1)

• #32 NCAA eDiff (difference between offensive and defensive ratings) Leader (+34.3)

• Height w/o shoes: 6'4.0"

• Wingspan: 6'9.0"

• Did not participate in the Max vertical at the NBA pre-draft combine.

• Clark missed the Pac-12 tourney along with the NCAA tourney due to an Achilles injury. He had surgery 3 days after suffering the injury.

• Final Four (2021)

• UCLA went 31-6 in 2022-23, and lost in the 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament (#2 seed).

OFFENSE Offensive game improving improved shooting health concerns

DEFENSE DPOY in pac 12 very very good defender

11.20.22

Oh, I thought I'd be low on UCLA's NBA prospects. Jamie Jaquez, while dang proficient at scoring the rock at the college level, probably won't translate to the NBA, I'm not an Amari Bailey fan at the moment, and everyone else on the roster seemed either not NBA ready (Adem Bona) or having limits pertaining to skill or athleticism (Tyger Campbell). But there's one guy that has proven me wrong thus far early in the college season, and that is Mr. Jaylen Clark, a 6-5 swingman who is definitely my "type." Opportunistic scoring is one of my favorite skills players can add to the table in role player archetypes; if you're disengaged, not looking to constantly make an impact, staying stationary, it limits your value on the floor. Clark is a certified KING at this art of opportunistic scoring. An elite baseline cutter that takes advantage of dump off/extra passes, an opportunistic offensive rebounder that skies in for boards, elite vertical finisher, nightmare in transition, this will get him energy baskets at the next level. During today's game against Baylor, he scored 20 points just off attacking closeouts, running the floor in transition, and getting those said opportunistic buckets. Clark asserts himself in the game based off this off ball movement. Clark's shooting touch is something I'm going to monitor. He's an NBA level athlete, but the skill portion leaves a lot to be desired. His handle isn't great, so I don't expect a lot of isolation stuff at the next level, and he makes the necessary connective reads to be an NBA level role player but it's nothing that screams, "This dude is a point forward." His shooting touch has been highly impressive to start the year, with a 53.8 3point clip. Whether this will be maintainable is the question. I have some optimism; Clark has an old school, pretty decent form on his jump shot, and the touch isn't disastrous. All he needs to do is just spot up at a decent level, and he'll fit into an offense. It's going to be sporadic, and the touch is still suspect, but I trust, with NBA development, Clark can get to an average level. Defensively, his impact is also impressive. He has a very strong upper body for defending multiple positions, has textbook wallups, moves his feet super impressively, uses his length functionally well, has everything you want in an on ball defender. He's an aware off ball dude making dig steals, rotations, and has an absolute knack for the basketball. Events creators make a ton of money defensively; in 5 games so far this season, Clark has 17 stocks (steals + blocks). Overall, positive defenders with a knack for easy interior buckets and decent ancillary skill have good chances at hitting big in the league.

(Premature) Comparison: GP2

High end outcome: High level rotational player, starting caliber 30%

Median Outcome: Decent rotational player, bench caliber, 40%

Low end outcome: End of rotation player, doesn't hit, 30%

Jaylen Clark- UCLA (SG) Age: 21.7yrs 6’5 204 (Better offensive potential Matisse thybulle)

Clark has some of the best defensive instincts you might see in a prospect he reads passing lanes like nobody else jumping them constantly. He has extremely quick feet to keep up with opposing players at all times and is physical to guard players a little bigger than him. Clark has a good burst when driving to the basket and can be crafty with the ball in his hands at times with spin moves, jump stops and his leaping ability as well. Clark has to continue to work on his shot from three and the free throw line as well as just gaining confidence in his shot. With Clarks combination of defensive ability and athleticism he could have snuck into the first round but suffered an achilles injury late in the season. You hope that Clark can keep that burst he had.

(30gs 30.5mpg)(13.0ppg, 6.0rb, 1.9ast, 2.6stl, 48.1fg%, 32.9 3pt% 2.6 3pa)

Similar to Jordan Walsh from Arkansas, Jaylen Clark's biggest selling point is one-sided: he is an incredible defensive chess piece. His 2.6 steals per game was extremely impressive, considering the competition he and UCLA faced. I thought Clark's ability to read the different offensive actions allowed his teammates to take a backseat to some extent on that end. He is excellent with his quickness, footwork and fundamentals on the perimeter, is actively engaged off the ball, and that quickness allows him to bend around screens with ease, as well as jump passing lanes easily. He did not block too many shots, only blocking eight shots all season, but I do like his ability to contest shots and, at the very least, go up with the layup and attempt the block. He is not a small player or a lightweight, at 6'4", 204 pounds with a 6'9" wingspan, which makes me think the defensive skill, intangibles and hustle will translate immediately. The jury is out with his offensive skill. I do not think he has much upside as a scorer, let alone a three level scorer. I do not think he can create for himself or for others to a great extent. When he does have the ball, he tends to hold it and scan the court, which led to slower paced offensive possessions. I did like his finishing around the basket. He is most comfortable going right, and I would like to see some improvement in his willingness to finish on the left side of the basket. His three-point shooting improved slightly, but him being an average three-point shooter in the league is what will turn him into a playable. He shot slightly more threes this season and shot a slightly better percentage this season than at any point in his collegiate career (33%). You certainly would prefer for him to slash right now, with a potential way to turn him into an average shooter. His torn Achilles is extremely unfortunate, and I think that may hurt his stock due to his unavailability. Jaylen Clark's defensive ability is too enticing, and I think he is still worthy of being a second round selection.

• Player Comparison: Shades of Josh Okogie and Bruce Brown

• Projected Draft Position: Picks 50-Priority Undrafted Free Agent

• Best Fits: Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets

Role: Wing Defender

• one of the best on ball defenders in the draft

• disrupts ball handlers paths and is a high energy player picking up full court

• unfortunately, suffered an Achilles injury late this season which is why he is lower on this list (Achilles injuries are really tough to come back fully from)

Player Comparison: (Shades of) Josh Okogie

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