Caitlin Clark pulled up from the logo to pass Kelsey Plum and become the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history. It was ice cold!
With four games left in the regular season, a Big Ten tournament, and March Madness, it is very possible that Clark will pass Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer— regardless of gender. There is also the chance that she chooses to run it back, which would guarantee her the record!
Clark has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining and is currently trying to decide whether to enter the WNBA Draft pool or return to Iowa in 2024/25. Plum thinks that the Hawkeyes need to step up.
In the era of Name, Image and Likeness, it is likely that Clark currently out-earns the salary she would receive on the professional level. That does not mean that she will make more money during a fifth season of college basketball, but it allows her not to worry about finances when trying to decide what to do.
Plum spoke about Clark at NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. The two-time WNBA champion was extremely gracious about her record falling. She was gushing with praise.
She’s incredible. I mean, especially the exact shot that she broke the record. I mean, I think that pretty much sums it up, right? Just pullin’ up from basically half-court.
— Kelsey Plum
Plum also encouraged the boosters and businesses in Iowa City to step up. They have a chance to keep Clark in college, which will only bring even more publicity back to the program and the university.
Everyone’s trying to figure out if she’s coming out or staying put, but if I’m Iowa, I’m gonna throw the kitchen sink at her, for sure.
— Kelsey Plum
Money may not drive Caitlin Clark to stay or leave. Either way, Kelsey Plum knows that it helps and wants to get her paid!
Clark already has deals with Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, H&R Block and Buick, among others. If the SWARM Collective or other NIL donors who are associated with the Hawkeyes are able to put together a nice financial package, they might be able to ensure that their super star sharpshooter is making equivalent money to the WNBA. That may be hard to turn down because the league is always going to be there!