In 2024, a new star emerged, and her name is Caitlin Clark. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark brings more than just her basketball skills to the league.
As per most fans and analysts, She’s a force of nature, a game-changer, and a beacon of hope for women’s basketball. Charles Barkley join in on the discussion and raises some points about her place in the league.
He said, “You woman out there, y’all petty, man… Y’all should be thanking [Caitlin Clark] for getting y’all a**s private charters. All the money and visibility she’s bringing to the WNBA.”
"You woman out there, y'all petty, man… Y'all should be thanking [Caitlin Clark] for getting y'all a*s private charters. All the money and visibility she's bringing to the WNBA."
Charles Barkley says WNBA players need to give Caitlin her flowers 💐pic.twitter.com/l959GWr1JR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 23, 2024
The College Phenomenon
Clark’s college career was nothing short of spectacular. As an Iowa Hawkeye, she left an indelible mark on the NCAA. With an average of 28.4 points per game (which soared to 31.6 in her senior year), she became the all-time leading scorer across NCAA basketball. Her impact extended beyond the court, drawing a record 18.7 million viewers to the national championship game. The “Caitlin Clark Effect” was real, and it was electrifying.
A Rising Star: Caitlin Clark Takes the WNBA by Storm
Caitlin Clark, the record-breaking guard from the University of Iowa, entered the WNBA with immense hype. Her collegiate accolades, including numerous scoring records and national recognition, generated significant excitement for the Indiana Fever, the team that drafted her.
Clark’s immediate impact on viewership and attendance figures is yet to be definitively measured. However, the potential for a rise in popularity due to her arrival is undeniable. This potential, according to Barkley, is being overshadowed by negativity from some WNBA players.
The Transition to the Pros
Now, as Clark transitions to the professional stage, she faces new challenges. The WNBA isn’t Kansas anymore; it’s a league of fierce competitors, concrete walls, and relentless physicality. Yet, Clark remains undeterred. She’s ready to embrace the learning curve, and confident in her abilities. Her shooting splits may not be ideal (40% from the floor, 32% from three-point range), but her pure shooting form promises improvement. She’s already in elite company, joining the ranks of Nikki McCray, Sue Bird, and Candace Parker in the record books
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