Legendary UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma shared his feelings this week that Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark is being “targeted” by other players in the WNBA.
The discourse surrounding Clark has taken over the sporting world since Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter checked her with a hard foul on Saturday.
The takes on the foul have varied from quite considered to scorching hot, and Auriemma is siding with the idea that Clark has been treated unfairly by the WNBA veterans who may be envious of how the spotlight is firmly on her to start her professional career.
During Tuesday’s UConn Coaches Road Show, Auriemma voiced his concern that Clark is indeed being “targeted” because of who she is and what she represents.
“Every rookie has to go through the growing pains of being a professional basketball player,” Auriemma told reporters. “The more attention you get, and [in] today’s world, attention is number one, and attention brings money. So, is she facing the rookie challenge, the rookie hardships that are inherent with being a rookie? Yes. She’s also being targeted.”
Auriemma went on to mention all-time great NBA players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and how, despite elevating the game and getting lots of attention, he feels they weren’t targeted for it (which is, of course, very debatable).
To Auriemma, people shouldn’t blame or treat Clark unfairly just because she’s the primary catalyst for a seismic moment of visibility for the WNBA and is getting a lion’s share of the attention.
“Appreciate the fact that now’s the time. I get it; I get it. It’s long overdue. Why are you blaming that kid?” Auriemma said. “It’s not her fault because you would trade places with her in a minute, but you are not there. You’re not her.”
You can hear his full response near the end of the video.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with Auriemma may not matter as Clark continues to adjust to the WNBA.
The most likely outcome of Carter’s hard foul will be the leagues’ referees watching Clark like a hawk and making sure she’s not taking too hard of fouls (and whistling them harshly when they happen).
The WNBA cannot afford her to get injured, particularly in a moment like this, so she’s probably going to get special treatment with the eyes of the sporting world on her game-in and game-out. Other WNBA players will also most likely be cautious on how they guard Clark as to avoid serious fouls.
However, it’s more than fine to feel Auriemma’s comments are a bit sensationalized, that Clark being given an extra focus by opponents might just be how you guard a generational player, not a point of jealousy.
