Caitlin Clark confessed that she felt a bit anxious before the Indiana Fever selected her as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, despite it being an expected outcome.
“I’ve had this dream since I was in second grade, and it has been a journey filled with hard work, challenges, and moments of triumph. But right now, all I want to do is savor this incredible moment,” expressed Clark.
During her impressive college career, the former Iowa star garnered a strong following among basketball fans, ultimately becoming a household name. Now, she aims to reignite the Indiana franchise alongside last season’s top pick, Aliyah Boston.
“I get really excited when I see that the organization has one of the best post players in the entire world,” she exclaimed with enthusiasm. “As a point guard, my eyes light up at the prospect of playing alongside such talent.”
The Fever taking Clark had been inevitable ever since she declared her decision to turn professional on Feb. 29. Over 17,000 tickets were already claimed by fans who were eager to witness the draft at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, which is not only the home of the Fever but also the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
Clark’s incredible shooting skills from the midcourt logo and her impressive passing ability have played a significant role in attracting millions of fans to the women’s game. As the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, her presence on the court has been instrumental in capturing the attention of viewers. In fact, a record-breaking 18.9 million people tuned in to watch the national championship game, where Iowa unfortunately fell short against the undefeated South Carolina. Moreover, the Hawkeyes had previously shown their strength by finishing as national runners-up to LSU the year before.
Clark embraced her parents, brothers, and Iowa coach Lisa Bluder after being drafted, donning a stylish white Prada jacket and skirt.
According to Jack Maloney of CBSSports.com, Clark is considered one of the most talented offensive prospects in the history of the league. Maloney highlights her exceptional 3-point shooting range and ability to create shots off the dribble, which sets her apart from any other player in the WNBA. Additionally, Clark’s playmaking skills make her a force to be reckoned with. Off the court, she is also seen as a marketing dream, capable of elevating the profile of both the Fever and the league as a whole.
The draft took place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where 1,000 enthusiastic fans eagerly gathered to witness the event. Tickets for the draft were sold out within just 15 minutes of being made available months ago. The demand from fans was truly remarkable.
The Los Angeles Sparks made a solid choice in selecting Cameron Brink from Stanford with the second pick. Brink, a talented two-way player, hails from California, giving her the opportunity to stay close to home. Not only is she a prolific scorer, but she was also recognized as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. With the departure of franchise player Nneka Ogwumike to Seattle in free agency, the Sparks needed a strong replacement, and Brink fits the bill perfectly.
Brink expressed that when his name was called, a rush of emotions overwhelmed him. He vividly recalls witnessing his mother becoming teary-eyed, and his father’s reaction, which truly resonated with him.
Brink, known for her impressive scoring ability, was also recognized as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. The Sparks were in need of a replacement for their franchise player, Nneka Ogwumike, who departed for Seattle in free agency. It is worth mentioning that Brink shares a special connection with Sonya Curry, the mother of Golden State Warriors’ superstar, Stephen Curry, as she is her godmother.
Brink shared that she had a FaceTime conversation with Steph just five minutes before the show began. During their chat, he encouraged her to have fun with the experience and offered valuable advice. Having been through similar situations himself, Steph emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and not letting stress take over.
Chicago made their selection with the third pick and opted for Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina. Soon after, it was the Sparks’ turn to make their choice, and they went with Rickea Jackson from Tennessee.
The Dallas team decided to select Jacy Sheldon, a talented guard from Ohio State, as their fifth pick. Following suit, the Washington team chose Aaliyah Edwards from UConn as their sixth pick. The Chicago team then selected Angel Reese from LSU as their seventh pick, forming a powerful duo alongside Cardoso.
Read More:
- Severe weather threat spans from Northeast to Midwest, affecting 70 million Americans
- Deputies seek man accused of stealing $3M worth of copper and other metals in Macon