Caitlin Clark: The Future of Women's Basketball

Caitlin Clark: The Future of Women's Basketball

By: John S | 06/20/2024

Caitlin Clark in action

Caitlin Clark may still be in the early stages of her career, but her impact on the basketball world is already unmistakable. As the standout star for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark has demonstrated that she's not just a flash in the pan but a generational talent. Her mesmerizing skill set, killer instinct, and basketball IQ have captivated fans and analysts alike, making her a player to watch as she continues to develop.

Durable, dynamic, and downright unstoppable on the court, Clark's statistics tell a compelling story. Inher junior year, she averaged an unimaginable 27.8 points per game, hitting nearly 40% of her three-point attempts. What’s even more impressive? She dished out 8.6 assists per game and grabbed 7.1 rebounds per contest—numbers that would be extraordinary for any player, but especially for a 6-foot guard.

Her deep shooting range forces defenders to extend well beyond the arc, opening up driving lanes for her teammates and creating unprecedented offensive spacing. Meanwhile, her vision and passing prowess make her an excellent facilitator, allowing her to rack up assists as easily as she scores points. This combination makes game-planning against Clark nearly impossible.

Quick Stats

  • First player in NCAA history to record back-to-back 30+ point triple-doubles.
  • Two-time Naismith National Player of the Year award winner.
  • Inspired by watching Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird as a child.
  • Has been likened to NBA legends like Stephen Curry and Reggie Miller for her shooting and playmaking abilities.

Little Known Fact

Clark played on boys’ teams as a kid. As the middle child, Clark grew up in a self-described “sports family,” and her dad was her first basketball coach. He recognized her advanced skills early on, and signed her up for boys’ teams so she could continue to be challenged. She played on the boys’ soccer and basketball teams longer than most teams remain co-ed—up until about sixth grade—and even won MVP one year.

Beyond the stats, Caitlin Clark is reshaping the narrative for women's basketball. Her audacious playing style, characterized by logo-length three-pointers and no-look passes, has drawn comparisons to NBA sharpshooters like Stephen Curry. But unlike Curry, Clark is not just a shooter; she’s an all-around superstar, exhibiting tenacity on defense and a knack for rebounding.

Caitlin Clark Shares Classy Reaction to Not Making Team USA.

Clark Helps Fever to Third Straight Victory Wednesday Night

The Indiana Fever are slowly, but surely, getting hot in the WNBA.

After starting the season at 2-9 with 11 games in 20 days, the Fever have now won five of their past seven games, and three in a row. Indiana is in the playoff race, sitting at eighth with a 6-10 record—a huge improvement after going 13-27 last season.

Caitlin Clark had her second double-double and the Indiana Fever won with an 88-81 victory over the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night.

Clark had 18 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, plus 6 assists and 4 steals for the Fever. She also had six turnovers. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Clark is the first rookie in WNBA history to have 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a two-game span; she was coming off a 23-point, 8-rebound, 9-assist performance in a win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday.

She’s averaging 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists during this win streak, and 17.6 points spanning her last five games.

Clark and the Fever (6-10) will vie for a fourth straight win on the road against the Atlanta Dream (6-7) on Friday.

2024 WNBA May Rookie of the Month

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for May.

Through the first month of regular season games, Clark led all 2024 rookies in scoring (17.6 ppg), field goals made (46), 3-point field goals made (24), free throws made (42), assists (6.6 apg), and minutes played (33.0 mpg). Among all players in May, Clark was tied for first in the WNBA with Diana Taurasi in 3-point field goals made, second in assists (59), and tied for second in free throws made.

Fastest WNBA Player to 200 Points, 75 Rebounds, 75 Assists

In the Indiana Fever‘s 91-83 Sunday win over the Chicago Sky, Caitlin Clark knocked off another piece of history.

With her performance against the Sky, Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 200-plus points, 75-plus rebounds, and 75-plus assists.

Through the first 15 games of her WNBA career, Clark has tallied 242 points, 93 assists, and 76 rebounds. Clark also has 19 steals and 15 blocks on the season.

Wrap-up

Caitlin Clark is not just making headlines; she's rewriting history in women's basketball. From her stellar performances in college to her record-breaking rookie season in the WNBA, Clark has consistently showcased her talent, determination, and ability to influence games. As she continues to excel and break barriers, the future looks incredibly bright for this young superstar. With her leadership, the Indiana Fever are on an upward trajectory, and fans can expect even more thrilling moments as Clark's career progresses.

  • Published
    Jun 20, 2024
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