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Tag: Caitlin Clark – English

  • Paige Bueckers snatches Angel Reese's most anticipated role in fight with Caitlin Clark, according to Liberty star

    Paige Bueckers snatches Angel Reese's most anticipated role in fight with Caitlin Clark, according to Liberty star

    Marine Johannes is set to make her WNBA return with the New York Liberty in 2025, rejoining a team that clinched the championship in 2024.

    As she steps back onto the court, the French guard is keeping a close eye on the league’s rising stars, particularly Caitlin Clark, who has been making waves with the Indiana Fever.

    Paige Buckers is on a title hunt chasing the one achievement Caitlin Clark never got

    Johannes predicts the future of the WNBA

    During a recent conversation with NBA legend Tony Parker and French national team standout Nando De Colo, Johannes shared her thoughts on Clark’s impact, drawing a bold comparison.

    “A bit like Stephen Curry,”Johannes remarked in French, likening Clark’s influence to the NBA’s revolutionary sharpshooter.

    She went on to name Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers as the future faces of the WNBA, stating, “I think that she and Paige Bueckers will be the future of the WNBA and women’s basketball. What she’s doing with her team is huge,

    everybody’s talking about it. When the two of them will come to the league, I think it will evolve in the media, it’ll be cool.”

    Clark has already generated immense excitement since joining the Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.

    Her transition to the WNBA follows an illustrious college career at Iowa, where she led her team to back-to-back national championship appearances.

    Meanwhile, Bueckers, a former national player of the year, is expected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, setting the stage for a thrilling new era of women’s basketball.

    A potential Clark-Bueckers showdown could take place as soon as June 27, when the Indiana Fever face the Dallas Wings.

    With their NCAA battles still fresh in fans’ minds, the matchup is already generating buzz, with many anticipating it as the beginning of a marquee WNBA rivalry.

    For Johannes, the return to the Liberty means stepping into a championship-defending squad while witnessing the next generation take center stage.

    Whether Clark and Bueckers can reshape the league remains to be seen, but their arrival is undeniably shifting the spotlight onto women’s basketball in unprecedented ways.



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  • Caitlin Clark's star power pushes six WNBA teams to bigger arenas

    Caitlin Clark's star power pushes six WNBA teams to bigger arenas

    Caitlin Clark‘s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of a game-changer. The Indiana Fever‘s rookie sensation, drafted No. 1 in 2024, has sparked a surge in interest that’s rippling across the league. From shattering viewership records to packing arenas, her presence-dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Effect“-is rewriting the script for women’s basketball.

    Case in point: six WNBA teams have already shifted at least one upcoming game against the Fever to larger venues for the 2025 season, all to handle the flood of fans eager to catch Clark in action.

    You won’t believe it! Caitlin Clark reveals which celebrity she would like to invite to dinner

    Clark’s rookie year was a whirlwind. She led the Fever to the playoffs, snagged Rookie of the Year, and turned heads with her deep threes and slick passes. But it’s not just her stats-4,134 NCAA points and a WNBA-leading 8.2 assists per game as a rookie-that have teams scrambling. It’s the crowds she draws. Last season, Fever games averaged 17,274 fans at home, a 319% jump from 2023, per Yahoo Sports.

    On the road, her games smashed attendance records, with teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics moving matchups to NBA-sized arenas to fit everyone in. “She helps ticket sales,” Aces coach Becky Hammon quipped last year, and the numbers back it up-Clark’s games accounted for 33.5% of the league’s total attendance in 2024.

    From small courts to big stages: Six teams move Fever games for Clark

    Now, as the 2025 season looms, six teams-the Aces, Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, and one more yet to be named-aren’t taking chances. They’ve bumped Fever games from their usual digs to bigger spots like T-Mobile Arena (18,000 seats) and American Airlines Center (20,000 seats).

    The Wings’ June 27 clash with Indiana, for instance, marks their first-ever WNBA game at the Mavericks’ home court. Why? Because Clark’s pull is undeniable. Her 2024 road games saw venues like State Farm Arena in Atlanta sell out 17,000 seats-up from the Dream’s typical 3,500.

    This isn’t just about logistics-it’s a testament to Clark’s star power. “I’m a part of history,” Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell said last June, marveling at the crowds. Teams are banking on her to keep filling seats, especially after the WNBA’s 2024 attendance hit 2.35 million, the highest in 22 years. For smaller-market squads, moving to larger venues isn’t just practical-it’s a chance to cash in on the buzz. Clark’s not just playing ball; she’s reshaping the league’s landscape, one sold-out arena at a time.



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  • Lexie Hull reveals how sharing a team with Caitlin Clark makes her a better player

    Lexie Hull reveals how sharing a team with Caitlin Clark makes her a better player

    Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has credited her development as a player to the opportunity of sharing the court with Caitlin Clark during the 2024 WNBA season.

    In a recent appearance on the Fieldhouse Files podcast with Scott Agness, Hull discussed how playing alongside Clark has improved her awareness, movement, and overall approach to the game.

    They can’t guard you! Juju Watkins’ dad fires her up as the POY favorite keeps dominating

    Clark, widely regarded as one of the most gifted passers in basketball, has a way of elevating those around her. Hull revealed that this dynamic forced her to stay constantly alert and prepared for opportunities created by Clark‘s playmaking.

    “It’s just keeping my hands ready. Keep cutting, keep running the floor,” Hull said. “I think that’s what’s so great about playing with really great point guards-you do the hard work and they make the shots easy.”

    Her experience with Clark has reshaped her approach, making her more proactive in finding space and staying engaged in the offense. Now, as she continues to evolve as a player, Hull has applied those lessons to her time playing with another top-tier playmaker, Chelsea Gray, in Unrivaled.

    The importance of great point guards

    Hull has quickly learned that playing with elite facilitators requires a different level of attentiveness and movement.

    Whether it’s Clark‘s precise court vision or Gray‘s ability to create scoring opportunities, Hull has had to refine her positioning, cutting, and finishing to keep up with their elite passing abilities.

    “I have confidence that they’re going to find me, and they have confidence that I’ll be in the right spot,” Hull explained. This trust has allowed her to fine-tune her instincts, making her a more efficient and reliable target for playmakers at the highest level.

    Clark‘s influence, in particular, has left a lasting mark. Known for threading impossible passes through tight defensive coverage, Clark has pushed Hull to anticipate plays before they happen.

    Their growing chemistry on the floor last season provided Hull with better looks at the basket and improved scoring efficiency, setting the stage for a more polished performance in 2025.



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  • Caitlin Clark's college reign is not safe as JuJu Watkins shows why she is the favorite for National Player of the Year

    Caitlin Clark's college reign is not safe as JuJu Watkins shows why she is the favorite for National Player of the Year

    Caitlin Clark’s collegiate career at Iowa was nothing short of historic. As the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, she left an undeniable impact not only on the Hawkeyes program, but on the sport as a whole. Her dynamic playmaking and elite scoring ability propelled Iowa to back-to-back national championship appearances, though they fell just short of winning a title. Despite those losses to current Chicago Sky players Angel Reese and LSU in 2023 and Camilla Cardoso with South Carolina in 2024, Clark’s legacy extends far beyond championships.

    Her individual brilliance has set a new standard for future generations and inspired young players across the country. Her impact is already being felt at the professional level, where she has taken the WNBA by storm, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the Indiana Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. But even as Clark transitions to the next chapter of her career, her impact on the college game continues to shape the narrative, with USC’sJuJu Watkins emerging as the next dominant force in women’s basketball.

    JuJu Watkins Joins Elite Company

    Watkins has been nothing short of spectacular for USC this season, cementing herself as the frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors. Her latest accomplishment further cements her place in history: she became just the second player this century to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games against the same opponent, joining Clark in that exclusive club. Watkins torched UCLA for 30 points in USC’s 80-67 victory, adding five assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals.

    It was a master class in scoring and defensive dominance that has become a hallmark of her game. UCLA, one of the best teams in the nation, simply had no answer for her, just as Nebraska struggled to contain Clark during her reign at Iowa. Watkins’ ability to consistently perform against top competition is a testament to her skill, work ethic and mental toughness. With USC securing the Big Ten regular season title, the Trojans are poised for a deep run in March, and Watkins will be at the center of their championship aspirations.

    What’s Next for Watkins and USC?

    With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Watkins and USC enter as one of the favorites to cut down the nets. With a 26-2 record, the Trojans are expected to secure a No. 1 seed, setting up potential matchups against elite competition like UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. Watkins has thrived in big moments all season, from her dominant performance in the season opener in Paris against Ole Miss to her statement game against UConn. Her ability to elevate her game under pressure makes her the most dangerous player on the court. Last season, as a freshman, she led USC to the Elite Eight, but expectations are even higher this year. With more national exposure thanks to USC’s move to the Big Ten, Watkins has become one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. If she continues on this trajectory, she won’t just be chasing a national title, she’ll be chasing history.



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  • Caitlin Clark's boyfriend Connor McCaffery sends out heartfelt message to younger brother

    Caitlin Clark's boyfriend Connor McCaffery sends out heartfelt message to younger brother

    Caitlin Clark and boyfriend Connor McCaffery are used to being in the limelight. Despite that, the two of them never forget to look out for those closest to them.

    The latest example comes from McCaffery, who took time to show some love for his little brother on Instagram.

    “Proud of you lil bro,” Connor wrote in a story to celebrate a post made by his younger brother, Jack.

    Connor has reason to be proud of Jack, who is a rising high school player. The 6-foot-8 youngster is a top-100 ranked player in the country for the class of 2025.

    His play has seen him receive offers from big school like Virgina Tech and Wake Forest. However, the lure of playing for Butler, where he can play with older brother Patrick and a familiar set of coaches, proved too good of an opportunity to turn down.

    Jack is the latest in the McCaffery family to excel in basketball. His father, Fran, has been the head coach of Iowa for more than a decade. Older brother Connor played at Iowa before going into coaching with Butler, while Patrick is now shining at Butler after transferring from Iowa.

    Jack carving out his own path

    Although his brothers played under dad Fran at Iowa, Jack explained why he went down a different path and decided to play for Butler.

    “They had a coach at every single one of my games this summer,” Jack said in an interview. “I felt like they really wanted me.” 

    Time will tell if the move proves to be the right one as Butler are having a season to forget.

    The Bulldogs currently sit with a 13-16 record, with their disappointing 6-12 Big East record a big reason why they’ve struggled.



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  • Caitlin Clark targeted by NFL Champion to call out WNBA and NFL Stars

    Caitlin Clark targeted by NFL Champion to call out WNBA and NFL Stars

    There is no question that the Philadelphia Eagles are flying high after their Super Bowl LIX win, but one particular player has been getting a lot of respect after his performance in the game and that man is Coope DeJean.

    However, there is another sports star that came out of Iowa that has been living up to expectations. Caitlin Clark, a fellow Hawkeye herself, reached out to Cooper to congratulate him for his NFL championship victory as they both showed mutual respect.

    Caitlin Clark in conversation among NBA rising stars for WNBA franchise player

    With that, DeJean said that he and the Indiana Fever player can take on anyone on a 2-on-2 game between any WNBA and NFL duo. It seems that his confidence has shown even if it means facing a fellow college colleague and from another sport.

    The bold statement he made

    During an appearance on the CBS Sports with Chris Hassel, the host asked who could play against him and Clark and he did not hesitate to answer. “We’ll take on anybody. Anybody you throw at us and I don’t think it’ll be close. I think me on her on the same team, it’d be an almost unstoppable duo,” he said.

    Hassel insisted on whether he could take on players like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Justin Jefferson and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Cooper said “I’m taking us over anybody! No matter who you say,” as his confidence is sky high after the Super Bowl win.

    To end the topic, again Hassel asked “OK, how about this? (Cleveland Browns defensive end) Myles Garrett and (Las Vegas Aces center) A’Ja Wilson?” The NFL player replied “Yeah, that would be tough. I like us, no matter what. Those are two pretty big people, it’d be tough for us being guards and all.” DeJean played basketball, baseball and ran track in addition to playing football while in high school so he has more reasons to feel good about his and Caitlin Clark’s chances.



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  • Caitlin Clark and Taylor Swift have more in common than you think thanks to Sophie Cunningham's viral take

    Caitlin Clark and Taylor Swift have more in common than you think thanks to Sophie Cunningham's viral take

    Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 now hangs in the rafters at the University of Iowa, a lasting tribute to her legendary collegiate career. The all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, Clark rewrote the record books while leading Iowa to back-to-back national championship appearances. Her transition to the WNBA has been just as explosive, earning Rookie of the Year honors, breaking multiple records and leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016. Now, with a full offseason to develop, a revamped roster and a new head coach, Clark faces even greater expectations in her second campaign.

    Cunningham’s Viral Take on Clark and Swift

    One of the Fever’s biggest offseason moves was the acquisition of former Phoenix Mercury sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham in a four-team trade. In her first public comments since joining Indiana, Cunningham made waves with a pop culture analogy about her new backcourt mate. “I’ll be their Sabrina Carpenter to their Taylor Swift any day,” Cunningham said on Sports & Shenanigans. While the reference to Swift and Carpenter’s close friendship is apt, given that Sabrina has opened for Swift on several occasions, Sophie is probably referring to the fact that she would do anything to make Clark and the team successful. The irony isn’t lost on Cunningham, who plays the “Carpenter” role and is actually the veteran of the duo. The 27-year-old brings leadership and perimeter shooting to a Fever team looking to take the next step in 2025.

    Cunningham’s addition is part of a broader push by Indiana to build a contender around Clark. Along with her arrival, the Fever re-signed Kelsey Mitchell – who matched Clark’s 19.2 points per game last season – to a max contract. They also brought in two veteran forwards, DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, both with championship pedigrees. Cunningham’s presence will help stretch the floor, as the guard has shot 36.2% from deep in her WNBA career. Despite a dip in production in 2024 (8.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.0 APG), she remains a dangerous perimeter threat who will benefit from Clark’s elite playmaking.

    New Season a Better Clark

    Expectations are high for Clark entering her sophomore campaign. After setting the league’s single-season assist record and breaking the rookie three-point record, she opted to skip offseason events like the Unrivaled League and the NBA All-Star Weekend three-point contest to focus on her development. With a stronger supporting cast and another year of experience, Clark is expected to step up both her scoring and leadership as she looks to push the Fever deeper into the playoffs. If history is any indication, she won’t just meet expectations – she’ll exceed them.



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  • Caitlin Clark sees huge changes in Indiana Fever's franchise philosophy since she joined

    Caitlin Clark sees huge changes in Indiana Fever's franchise philosophy since she joined

    Theoretically, Caitlin Clark‘s first season in the WNBA could have gotten better. In a dream scenario, she would have led the Indiana Fever to a championship. But realistically, it went about as well as anyone could have reasonably expected. She ended up as the Rookie of the Year and helped the Fever reach the playoffs less than a year after they drafted her with the first overall pick.

    Making that accomplishment more impressive was that the team wasn’t filled with a ton of talent, and was headed by a coach that left a lot to be desired in the eyes of many fans. Heading into Clark’s second season, fans wanted the franchise to make moves to help her out. It started with Christie Sides being replaced by Stephanie White as head coach. Recently, they’ve been active adding new players to pair with Clark and other returning stars. And it’s only getting better from here on out.

    Try not to cry! Caitlin Clark’s emotional return to Iowa

    Indiana Fever set to debut $78 million practice facility in 2027

    While speaking at the WIN for KC Women’s Sports Awards ceremony on Tuesday night, Clark delved into the future of the franchise, placing particular emphasis on the new training facility that has never been seen before for a WNBA team.

    I feel very lucky and fortunate to be part of the Fever, who are putting $78 million into a 108,000 square feet training facility… Now that free agency is going on right now, you can really tell that’s what players are prioritizing when they’re looking at where they want to go. [They’re looking at] where are the organizations and franchises that are really giving those resources to their players.

    Clark isn’t kidding either, as the Fever have been able to bring in some key pieces through free agency and trades. DeWanna Bonner, Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Howard were all acquired within the last couple of weeks.

    Bonner and Howard signed as free agents, showing that they see a promising project with the Fever, with Clark spearheading it as the team’s leader. There is still time for the Fever to make more moves.



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  • Caitlin Clark's latest unpopular decision could have an explanation that Kobe Bryant would have supported

    Caitlin Clark's latest unpopular decision could have an explanation that Kobe Bryant would have supported

    Fans were eagerly anticipating a historic three-point shootout at the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, hoping to see WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark go head-to-head with Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry.

    However, reports now confirm that Clark has declined an invitation to participate, leaving many wondering why the Iowa superstar turned WNBA rookie made the decision.

    Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s emotional reunion has Indiana Fever fans buzzing

    Clark, who broke records in her first professional season, finishing just six three-pointers short of the all-time WNBA record for most threes in a season, was widely expected to join this year’s revamped NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest.

    The event was set to feature Curry, Sabrina Ionescu and Klay Thompson, creating a cross-league competition unlike anything seen before. But Clark‘s absence has left fans speculating on her reasons for opting out.

    Why did Clark decline the invitation?

    While many assumed Clark was simply prioritizing rest before the WNBA season, TV personality and former basketball player Rachel DeMita suggested a different reason for Clark‘s absence.

    “From what we have seen in her workouts and all, Caitlin seems like the type of person if she’s going to do this contest she wants to win it,” DeMita explained during a segment.

    She went on to describe Clark‘s competitive mindset, likening her approach to that of the late Kobe Bryant.

    “She seems psychotic… she seems to have that Kobe mentality. When I say psychotic, guys, I mean that as a good thing. I think any great athlete is a little bit crazy. I think Caitlin is too, but in the best way-she has that Kobe mentality,” DeMita added.

    According to Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend, Clark reportedly told the NBA that she’s not interested in shooting off a ball rack, a crucial element of the contest’s format. Unlike the pull-up threes she often takes in-game, this competition requires stationary shooting from racks, something Clark isn’t accustomed to.

    A source close to Clark noted that while she is deadly off the dribble, particularly when moving to her left, her lack of experience with rack shooting could have factored into her decision.

    Rather than enter a competition where she isn’t fully prepared, Clark may have chosen to wait for an opportunity better suited to her strengths.



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  • Nike's next plans with Caitlin Clark surface: millions of dollars in sight

    Nike's next plans with Caitlin Clark surface: millions of dollars in sight

    Caitlin Clark’s star power shows no signs of slowing down after a stunning rookie campaign for the Indiana Fever.

    The 23-year-old lived up to the hype after being taken first overall in the WNBA Draft, leading the Fever to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Her play on the court also saw her take home several honors, including Rookie of the Year.

    It’s no surprise that Nike showed they were keen to work with Clark when the two came together on an eight-year, $28 million contract.

    Nike CEO Elliot Hill recently spoke on the colloboration, and when fans can expect a signature shoe for the Fever star to drop.

    “She [Caitlin Clark] was in yesterday, working on her signature shoe that we’ll launch. We’re working on her logo, and her design of her logo.” he said.

    Hill then expanded on what it means for Nike to invest in women’s sports, adding: “When we were running just basketball, we never got to women’s opportunities. But by having a small team that’s focused on women’s basketball, it unlocks opportunities for the game of basketball, but also our product.”

    Some fans not happy with timing of the release

    While there are plenty of fans who can’t wait for Clark’s signature shoe to drop, some have questioned the timing of the news.

    With the Christmas season now behind us, some believe that Nike missed out on a big chance to really see people head out and buy the shoes.

    Nevertheless, the anticipation continues to grow as fans wait for the official release date. In the meantime, Clark will continue to rest up and prepare for her sophomore season in the WNBA as she looks to take the Fever to even greater heights after they are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last time out.



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