Caitlin Clark is about to become the no. 1 pick in the upcoming 2024 WNBA Draft. Before she takes her first step into the pro level, however, the Iowa Hawkeyes standout got some valuable advice from former no. 1 pick and MVP Nneka Ogwumike.
Ogwumike is really excited to see Clark take her talents to the WNBA, though she warned the young superstar that not everyone in the league will feel the same way.
Nneka Ogwumike’s WNBA Message for Caitlin Clark
Clark is undoubtedly the most popular female hooper not only in the US, but also in the whole world. She has helped elevate the college women’s game to another level, and so after she declared for the WNBA Draft, many are hyped to see how much impact she’ll have on the pro league.
However, during the NCAA Tournament, several WNBA players appeared to have showed some hate towards her–so much so that even golf influencer Paige Spiranac couldn’t help but be disappointed and take note that other women can be “vicious.”
Ogwumike, for her part, admitted that there is indeed “jealousy” in the WNBA. However, she emphasized that it’s something that normally occurs in any professional league like the WNBA where there are so many players competing for limited roster spots. And so whenever a new player comes, the veterans and older players want to prove that they can compete and contribute.
“In this league, when you get new talents, it’s just like any other team. There’s people who are trying to make sure that [they] make the team. That they’re still valuable and their spot is still there. So with that may come a bit of jealousy, a little bit of envy, but the reality is her impact is apparent,” Ogwumike said of the WNBA and Clark, per ESPN.
Nneka Ogwumike Admits Caitlin Clark Is a ‘Threat’
For what it’s worth, Nneka Ogwumike made sure to fire back at those players and people hating on Caitlin Clark. While she did say the Iowa Hawkeyes standout needs to prepare for life in the WNBA and the envy eyes that could come her way, no one should ever say that she’s not good.
For Ogwumike, who is a former Rookie of the Year and a one-time WNBA champion and MVP, Clark is the real deal and a “threat” who can further elevate the women’s game.
“You can’t deny her impact. Anybody who says, ‘Oh, she’s not that great,’ is downright completely dense. She’s a threat. She’s a threat in so many different ways, but she’s also lifting the tides,” Ogwumike sai before pointing out that she won’t be running from the challenge of facing the college basketball sensation.
“Personally I’m excited to play against her. I’ve never played against someone like her. Plus, I want to get better.”
It will definitely be interesting to see how Clark performs in the WNBA. Ogwumike is playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, and sure enough, it will be intriguing to see as well their first battle once Clark officially enters the league.
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1 Comment
the thing that I saw in the final game for Clark was, she spent more time dishing off the ball than she did shooting. She dished off the ball frequently to others who ended up shooting and missing. She was unable to really score because they shot instead of giving her the ball back for a shot