Caitlin Clark Says “More Opportunities Will Elevate The Game”

Several women’s college basketball players have become household names even before entering the WNBA draft. Among them is Caitlin Clark, the former star of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the current NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Fans have eagerly followed Clark’s journey, turning up and tuning in to watch her play even before she was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in last month’s WNBA Draft. Her rise to stardom has undoubtedly drawn more attention to women’s basketball. Clark believes this increased focus is positive, regardless of which players are in the spotlight.

“I think there are opportunities for every single player in women’s basketball,” Clark said at a press conference before her WNBA debut. “I think the more opportunities we can give across the board, that’s what’s going to elevate women’s basketball.”

Her comments came in response to remarks made by Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who suggested that race played a role in Clark’s popularity. “I think it’s a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and White, but to me, it is,” Wilson told The Associated Press. “It is because you can be top-notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see… That’s why it boils my blood when people say it’s not about race because it is.”

However, the spotlight on the WNBA extends beyond Clark. “It doesn’t need to be just one or two players, and I think that even goes back to college. The parity in women’s basketball is what’s making more people want to come watch it,” Clark said. “I think the more we can spread the love, show people, show their talent, show their teams – that’s just going to continue to elevate it.”

“I’ve had a lot of fun being in the spotlight and helping grow this game and move it forward, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do,” Clark added. “But I think I know firsthand how talented this league is, whether it was me as a young kid or whether it’s me now playing here… the more we can share the love, the better this league’s going to be.”

Clark’s debut with the Fever resulted in a loss to the Connecticut Sun. Clark scored 20 points but also committed 10 turnovers in a game in which the Sun forced 25 turnovers.