Caitlin Clark speaks on how her game will translate to the WNBA
Where former Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark will land ahead of the 2024 WNBA Draft is virtually set in stone, as the two time national player of the year widely expected to be the No. 1 overall selection by the Indiana Fever in New York on Monday night.
But how her game will translate to the next level is not as solidified, as many are curious if Clark can take her dominance and unique play style to the WNBA with her.
Ahead of the WNBA Draft, Clark was asked how she feels her game will fair at the WNBA level, giving an answer that not many would expect ahead of her big night in Brooklyn.
“I think the biggest thing is my passing, and I think that’s kind of what people overlooked at times in college,” Clark said. “People just love the scoring so much, and don’t get me wrong I love shooting the ball, but I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Clark’s scoring ability rightfully stole the show throughout her college career with an offensive game that’s drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry, becoming the all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s basketball this past season.
But even Curry himself has said that those comparisons dismiss her ability as a passer, leading the nation in assists per game last basketball season along with points per game. Also becoming the first player in men’s or women’s Division I history to post 3,000 career points and 1,000 career assists.
“Obviously being surrounded by so much talent, no matter where I end up, it’s like the league is loaded with so many people. And I think that’s something that I’ve always had a knack for from a very young age, I grew up playing soccer and understanding angles and seeing the game before it even happens,” Clark explained.
Clark’s scoring skillset features deep-range three-point shots off the dribble and impressive finishes around the basket. But if that part of her game isn’t quite as successful in WNBA, she’s still virtually a lock to be an effective passer at the next level.
“I think once I really get playing with my teammates they kind of can read me too and read my eyes,” Clark said. “So I love playing with good post players, I love playing with good guards, good wings, so that’s what this league’s all about.”
When selected No. 1 overall, Clark will team up with last year’s No. 1 overall pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston. A skilled post player and All-Star selection last year that would be perfect pairing for Clark in her first season with the Fever.
But fans will be on the edge of their seats to see if Clark’s scoring ability and overall dominance translate to the next level. A reality that could potentially help elevate the WNBA in an unprecedented way the same way it did at the college level with Clark at the epicenter.