Caitlin Clark Aims For NCAA Title Before WNBA, Unsettling Her Coach With This Decision

Despite her desire to win an NCAA tournament with her Iowa Hawkeyes team—which they lost to Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers in the previous year—Caitlin Clark declared her eligibility for the 2024 WNBA Draft on Thursday.

The COVID year allows Clark, 22, to play another season after an incredible four seasons with Iowa. The outstanding scorer’s desire to remain with the Hawkeyes was acknowledged by her head coach, Lisa Bluder.

 

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“I mean, you’re obviously disappointed because you want her to come back,” Bluder said. “I mean, she’s a tremendous player, and we would have loved to have had her come back.

“But also, our job is to help them for four years and to support them as best as we can and try to prepare them for the next chapter in their lives. Her four years are up, even though she could come back for another year. She’s ready for a new challenge.”

With his record-breaking performance this season against Kelsey Plum, Clark became the all-time best scorer in NCAA history, and she hopes to finish her historic year with an NBA title.

Caitlin Clark discusses why she chose to play in the WNBA

Since making her declaration, Clark claimed she hasn’t spoken to anyone from the Indiana Fever, who will have the first choice in the forthcoming draft.

 

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“I think just going into Senior Night, having that decision clear not only for myself, but our fans, my teammates. I think that was super important,” Clark said on Friday. “And honestly, just getting the weight of the world off my shoulders and being able to enjoy this last month with my teammates, I think is the biggest thing.

 

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“I would say, like, I’ve gone honestly back and forth a little bit, especially early in the year. I think as the season played out, it became more clear to me. I know I said at the beginning of the year I definitely just kind of feel in my gut and know in my gut. And I think that’s exactly what happened.

 

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“I think any time you make a big decision and you’re confident in it, that’s just kind of what happens. And I think that’s my biggest focus going into the rest of the year. It’s just smile, have fun, play free. After this game this weekend, we’re really only guaranteed two games. So I think it’s just enjoying every single second and playing and having fun.”

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