Caitlin Clark is not going to rush her looming decision about the WNBA. She is going to enjoy every moment of what will probably be her final season of college basketball at the University of Iowa.
While it is possible that Clark could decide to return for a fifth year with the Hawkeyes, all signs point toward a jump to the professional level. Especially considering that the Fever hold the No. 1 pick.
Indiana makes a lot of sense for Caitlin Clark. Aliyah Boston went first overall to the organization in last year’s draft and won Rookie of the Year. Their games compliment one another well and would make for a dangerous one-two, frontcourt-backcourt punch. Boston loves the idea, obviously!
The biggest thing that could keep Clark from turn pro is the atmosphere. She loves playing in front of sold-out crowds at Iowa and loves to compete on the collegiate level.
Her emotional interview after draining a buzzer-beater against Michigan State on Tuesday night could impact her decision. Clark is deeply grateful for Hawkeyes fans and all of their support.
However, Indiana fans are also stepping up! It’s not the Fever, but there is a connection.
The Lady Hoosiers are currently ranked No. 14 in the country at 11-1. They will host Clark in Bloomington on Feb. 22.
Indiana fans already sold out Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for just the second time in school history!
There are two different components to the sellout.
First and foremost, the Caitlin Clark effect is very real when it comes to women’s college basketball. She often draws unusually large crowds on the road because of who she is. Especially when it could be a top-10 matchup. Everybody wants to be there to watch Clark in person and they hope to witness their team topple the mighty Hawkeyes!
The other piece to this puzzle comes with Clark’s looming decision. Bloomington is located 50 miles south of Indianapolis, home of the Fever.
Fans of Indiana’s lone WNBA franchise want to get a glimpse of their future superstar, assuming that she does indeed enter the draft pool at the end of this current season. They want Clark!
Both of these factors led the Hoosiers to sell-out its arena more than 50 days in advance. It will be interesting to see what percentage of the crowd is pro-Clark. There will likely be a large contingency of Fever fans who are in attendance to encourage her to turn pro!
