Former Iowa football standout and current Philadelphia Eagles draft pick Cooper DeJean recently provided an update on his challenge to Caitlin Clark on the basketball court. DeJean, who was a standout high school basketball player in Iowa before choosing the football route, expressed his confidence in being able to beat Clark one-on-one. Despite acknowledging Clark’s talent and the impact she has had on women’s basketball, DeJean believes he could come out on top in a matchup against her. Clark responded to DeJean’s comments, stating that she didn’t think he could beat her, sparking interest in a potential showdown between the two athletes.
DeJean shared his thoughts on the challenge during an appearance on Kay Adams’ show “Up and Adams,” where he discussed the friendly banter between himself and Clark. Although Adams initially doubted DeJean’s ability to defeat Clark on the court, after watching his basketball highlights, he was quick to assert his skills and express his interest in facing off against the talented player. While no date has been set for the potential one-on-one matchup, DeJean’s enthusiasm for the showdown was evident as he eagerly awaited the opportunity to compete against Clark.
During his time at OABCIG High School in Ida Grove, Iowa, DeJean showcased his basketball prowess as a three-year varsity player, scoring an impressive 1,832 points. This total surpassed the number of points scored by NBA player Harrison Barnes during his Iowa career and fell just short of Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson’s point total. On the other hand, Clark cemented her legacy as the all-time leading scorer in Division 1 college basketball during her time at the University of Iowa, leading to her selection as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
As Clark prepares for her regular-season debut in the WNBA, the potential matchup between her and DeJean has generated excitement among fans and the sports community. With both athletes possessing exceptional talent and competitive spirits, their one-on-one showdown promises to be an exciting and highly anticipated event. As DeJean continues to make his mark in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, his willingness to take on a talented basketball player like Clark demonstrates his versatility and determination to succeed in various sports.
The friendly rivalry between DeJean and Clark highlights the camaraderie and respect shared among athletes across different sports. Despite their different paths in the world of sports, their mutual admiration for each other’s skills and accomplishments has fueled the playful competition between them. As they await the opportunity to face off on the basketball court, fans can look forward to witnessing an exciting matchup that showcases the talent and competitive spirit of both DeJean and Clark. Stay updated on the latest sports news by following Fox News Digital’s coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
