Caitlin Clark confessed that she felt a bit nervous prior to being selected as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, despite the fact that it was not unexpected.
“I’ve had this dream ever since I was in second grade, and achieving it has been a result of immense dedication, perseverance, and a rollercoaster of experiences. But above all, I’m just trying to savor every bit of it,” Clark expressed.
During her remarkable college career, the former Iowa star gained immense popularity among basketball enthusiasts and became a well-known figure. Now, she is embarking on a new journey to revitalize the Indiana franchise alongside Aliyah Boston, last season’s No. 1 pick.
“I get really excited when I see that the organization has one of the best post players in the world,” she exclaimed with a gleam in her eyes.
The Fever’s excitement surrounding Clark’s decision to turn pro was evident from the start. On February 29th, when she announced her intention, it was clear that she had captured the attention of many. In fact, a staggering 17,000 tickets were claimed by fans who were eager to witness the draft at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This venue serves as the home to both the Fever and the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, making it the perfect setting for this momentous occasion.
Clark’s incredible skills on the basketball court have captivated millions of fans, drawing them to the women’s game. Her remarkable ability to make shots from the midcourt logo and her exceptional passing skills have made her a standout player. In fact, her contributions were instrumental in attracting a record-breaking 18.9 million viewers to the national championship game, despite Iowa’s loss to the undefeated South Carolina team. It’s worth noting that just a year prior, the Hawkeyes were also national runners-up to LSU.
Clark, wearing a white Prada jacket and skirt, embraced her parents, brothers, and Iowa coach Lisa Bluder following her selection in the draft.
According to CBSSports.com’s Jack Maloney, Clark’s offensive skills are unparalleled, making her one of the top prospects in the league. Her exceptional 3-point shooting abilities and impressive off-the-dribble shooting set her apart from other players in the WNBA. Additionally, Clark’s playmaking abilities are outstanding. Off the court, she is a marketer’s dream and is expected to elevate 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 filled the venue. The tickets for this highly anticipated event sold out within a mere 15 minutes after going on sale several months ago.
The Los Angeles Sparks made a strong choice at No. 2 in the draft by selecting Cameron Brink from Stanford. Brink, a talented two-way player, will be staying in California and bringing her scoring prowess and defensive skills to the team. Not only was she a prolific scorer, but she also earned the prestigious Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. This selection is crucial for the Sparks as they look to fill the void left by franchise player Nneka Ogwumike, who departed for Seattle in free agency.
“When my name was called, a rush of emotions overwhelmed me,” Brink shared. “I caught sight of my mom, her eyes welling up with tears, and my dad, and it really struck a chord deep within me.”
Brink, who is known for her impressive scoring abilities, has also been recognized as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. The Sparks were in search of a new franchise player after Nneka Ogwumike departed for Seattle in free agency. It’s worth noting that Brink’s godmother is Sonya Curry, who happens to be the mother of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
“I had a FaceTime conversation with Steph just five minutes before the show was about to start,” Brink mentioned. “He encouraged me to have fun with it and shared some valuable advice. Being someone who has experienced similar situations, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience rather than letting it become overwhelming.”
With the third pick in the draft, the Chicago team made their selection, opting for Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina. Soon after, it was the turn of the Sparks, who chose Rickea Jackson from Tennessee.
Cardoso had a jam-packed week, playing a vital role in the Gamecocks’ victorious journey towards clinching the national championship and capping off an undefeated season. After triumphantly joining her team for the championship parade on Sunday, she embarked on her journey to New York.
Dallas selected Jacy Sheldon, the talented Ohio State guard, as their fifth pick. Following suit, Washington chose Aaliyah Edwards from UConn as the sixth pick. Chicago then secured Angel Reese from LSU as the seventh pick, forming a formidable duo with Cardoso.
With a hearty laugh, the 6-foot-7 Cardoso confidently declared, “We are both exceptional players. No one stands a chance against us when it comes to grabbing rebounds.”
Minnesota made a strategic move by trading picks with Chicago and selected Alissa Pili from Utah as their eighth draft pick.
