Caitlin Clark, the all-time leading scorer in both men’s and women’s college basketball, has been selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Clark, who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes for four seasons, was a highly anticipated draft pick due to her exceptional talent. She joins Aliyah Boston, the 2023 first overall pick, on the Fever’s roster, leading the team into the new season. Clark enters the WNBA with a large fan following, having impressed fans and coaches alike with her skills on the court. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley has even praised her as one of the greatest of all time in women’s basketball.
Throughout her college career, Clark averaged 28.4 points per game, with her senior season seeing her score an impressive 31.6 points per game, along with 8.9 assists and 7.4 rebounds. She broke the NCAA all-time scoring record previously held by LSU’s Pete Maravich in the same season. Despite falling short in the national championship game against South Carolina, Clark’s contributions to women’s basketball have not gone unnoticed. The national title game drew record viewership, with 18.7 million tuning in to watch the highly anticipated matchup.
Clark finished her collegiate career with a total of 3,951 points, including 548 three-pointers made. Her success on the court has captured the attention of fans and media, with many hoping she would secure a national championship before leaving Iowa. As she transitions to the WNBA, Clark remains confident in her abilities and excited for this new chapter in her basketball career. With stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, and A’ja Wilson already in the league, Clark’s arrival is expected to further elevate the level of competition in the WNBA.
The Indiana Fever will be counting on Clark to help lead them back to the playoffs, after a string of seasons with subpar performance. With a record of 13-27 in the previous season, the Fever are looking to improve their standing in the league with Clark’s talent and leadership on the court. The team has high hopes for the upcoming season, as they aim to make a return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Clark’s presence on the team is expected to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the Fever, as they work towards their goal of achieving success on the court.
As Clark embarks on her professional career in the WNBA, she reflects on the journey that has led her to this point, from writing down her dream of playing in the league in second grade to becoming the first overall pick in the draft. Her dedication, skill, and determination have propelled her to this moment, and she is eager to make an impact in the professional league. With a strong work ethic and a winning mentality, Clark is poised to make a significant mark in the WNBA and continue to inspire the next generation of basketball players.
