Caitlin Clark, the standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, has officially declared her intention to enter the WNBA draft at the end of the season. Clark, who is nearing the end of a remarkable collegiate career, made the announcement ahead of the team's final regular-season home game.
Clark, who recently surpassed Kelsey Plum as the NCAA career scoring leader, has had a historic run with the Hawkeyes. With 3,650 career points, she is on the verge of breaking Pete Maravich's NCAA career scoring record of 3,667 points. The decision to enter the draft comes after Clark was granted an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on her decision, Clark mentioned that she had been contemplating it for some time and that as the season progressed, it became clearer to her. Despite the coaching staff's disappointment at her departure, they have been supportive of her choice and believe she is ready for the next challenge.
The Indiana Fever holds the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, but Clark has not had any discussions with the team since her announcement. The announcement has generated significant interest, with the upcoming game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena already sold out, showcasing the impact Clark has had on the team and the sport.
Teammates and coaches have expressed their support for Clark, acknowledging her influence on and off the court. As the reigning national player of the year, Clark led the Hawkeyes to the national championship game last season, further solidifying her legacy in college basketball.
With the weight of her decision now lifted, Clark is focused on enjoying the remaining games of the season and playing with a sense of freedom and joy. Her teammates and coaches are optimistic about her future in the WNBA and are proud of her accomplishments during her time at Iowa.
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