Caitlin Clark, a prodigious talent in women’s college basketball, was selected by the Indiana Fever as the top pick in the professional league’s draft.
« At long last, » exclaimed the 22-year-old Clark, who had been widely anticipated to lead the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft selections.
Regarded as one of the finest players in college basketball history, Clark has left a significant mark.
During the WNBA’s annual draft, numerous college athletes across America were eager to transition to professional ranks.
Clark stands as the highest scorer in the history of college basketball, for both men and women, achieving an unprecedented number of three-pointers in a season, surpassing the record set by NBA star Steph Curry.
Following the draft announcement on Monday, the ex-Iowa Hawkeyes star expressed her excitement at a press conference. « It’s the toughest league globally, with fewer than 144 available spots. You have to perform at your best every night. »
In a conversation with ESPN, Clark shared, « Since second grade, I’ve dreamed of this day. It’s been a journey of intense effort, with many highs and lows. »
She joined the WNBA draft after finishing her last season as a senior at Iowa University.
Clark and her Iowa Hawkeyes were defeated in their final match against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the pinnacle of women’s NCAA tournament.
The championship match garnered massive viewership, ranking among the most watched in the history of college basketball, attracting 24 million viewers. Some tickets fetched prices up to $11,000.
Clark’s phenomenal influence on women’s college basketball has been termed the Caitlin Clark Effect, credited with significantly boosting the sport’s popularity.
Observers of the WNBA draft were also watching for other top picks on Monday, including Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina University, chosen third by the Chicago Sky, and Angele Reese from Louisiana State University, picked seventh by the same team.
Jenny Nyugen, who runs the Sports Braw in Oregon, a bar dedicated to women’s sports broadcasts, told the BBC, « I’ve followed women’s basketball for decades. »