Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes career may not have had the fairytale ending she wanted, but there’s no question that she’s one of the most talented basketball players to grace the NCAA hardwood. Her incredible collegiate career has generated tons of interest in the women’s game, and her contributions will not be forgotten any time soon.
Fans are already looking forward to what she can do in the pros as the 2024 WNBA Draft inches closer. While she will likely be taken first overall, bold claims about her pro career are already being made. One analyst even went on to say that could hold her own against in the men’s game.
Jon Heyman believes Caitlin Clark can become an NBA All-Star
MLB analyst Jon Heyman was admiring Clark’s game during the Hawkeyes’ 75-87 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks when he made a wild claim that bewildered almost everyone watching the game alongside him.
Taking to social media during Sunday’s national championship game, the baseball columnist made a bold proclamation about the All-American guard. Tweeting, “Caitlin Clark could be an NBA All-Star. Don’t @ me.”
Understandably, fans didn’t hold back on clowning Heyman for his left-field take:
“April 1st was six days ago Jon,” a user replied.
“Stick to Arson Judge, buddy,” another commented.
“We can’t just appreciate one of the best to ever do it … Always gotta take it to extremes,” a fan tweeted.
Billy Reinhardt made a point that even fans of the women’s game would agree to:
I don’t know why most people’s first reaction to watching female basketball players hoop is to immediately compare them to men.
It could exist as its own entity and be highly entertaining. The comparisons just put people on the defense, they’re unfair to the great female… https://t.co/aIiplSBkwO
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) April 7, 2024
Even the biggest hater will admit that Clark was an unstoppable player during her four-year stint with the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, the level of physicality between the men’s and women’s games is vastly different.
To argue that Clark would be able to get an All-Star nod without taking the difference of how the game is different between the two is underestimating the state of the game for the men’s game.
Reviewing Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes legacy
Even if hyping up Clark’s pro career before she even put up one minute of game time is a tad too much, it’s undeniable that she’s become one of the most important figures in women’s basketball.
Dawn Staley, the head coach of the Gamecocks that denied Clark her championship, gushed over her ability and charisma that brought a lot of attention to the women’s game.
Per Time’s Sean Gregory:
“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport,” said Staley. “She carried a heavy load for our sport… She’s gonna lift that league [WNBA] up… You are one of the GOATs of our game and we appreciate you.”
Through her four years with the Iowa Hawkeyes, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.3 assists on 46.3% FG and 37.7% 3FG. The attention she brought to the women’s game will become the foundation that will encourage more girls to get into the sport.
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