Amid the talks about Caitlin Clark’s place in history among the greats, South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley is one of those people who believe that a player needs to win a championship to be in the conversation.
There have been plenty of talks whether or not Clark needs to win a title to be in the GOAT debate. And according to Staley, it is a must because it’s a major metric that everyone looks at when discussing the greats of the game.
Dawn Staley Makes GOAT Stance Clear Amid Caitlin Clark Debate

Staley was only being realistic with her take, adding that it’s only her personal opinion and nothing more. She reflected on her career as well, adding that she had a great collegiate career but never won a title. In the end, she learned that everyone’s question is always whether she won a title or not.
“I was really good in college, never won a championship. You’ve got to win a championship. That’s me personally. I had a great career. But it’s always, did you win a championship?” Staley shared, via ESPN.
Staley also agreed with Breanna Stewart’s recent take. The New York Liberty star bluntly said that Clark needs to win a championship to be in the GOAT debate, and Staley took it further by declaring that Stewart is the GOAT of women’s college hoops.
For those not in the know, Stewart was part of the UConn Huskies team that won the NCAA women’s championship in four straight years from 2013 to 2016. Stewart was the Most Outstanding Player in all those championship runs, which paved the way for her to becoming the no. 1 pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft.

“I agree with Stewie when it comes to winning the championship,” Staley added. “We’re going to talk about GOATs. I think she’s the GOAT, to be able to win four national championships and to be MVP. I think she was MVP all four times.”
South Carolina Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley Reveals Take on Caitlin Clark

Dawn Staley, however, admitted that Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes winning the national championship this 2024 will “seal the deal” for the 22-year-old to claim the GOAT title.
Obviously, though, Staley is wishing they don’t since Clark and the Hawkeyes play her South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday’s national title game.
“If Caitlin wins the championship, she’s pretty damn good, yeah, like, she’s a GOAT. I mean, she’s really damn good regardless. But winning the championship would seal the deal. I hope to the dear Lord she doesn’t,” Staley shared.
Sure enough, Clark will be extra motivated to win the title after getting denied last season. As for Staley and the Gamecocks, they have a chance at immortality if they are able to complete an undefeated season.
There’s a lot at stake during Sunday’s game, but one thing is for sure: a lasting legacy will be created whichever team wins.

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