'A new challenge:' Caitlin Clark dishes on decision to enter WNBA draft
Indiana has a fever, and the only prescription may be Caitlin Clark.
After dominating the college basketball world and smashing its records, the Iowa superstar will soon make her way to the WNBA, where she will likely land as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
While there was some thought that Clark was considering staying at Iowa under a fifth year of eligibility, she ultimately announced her decision to enter the draft Feb. 29. According to Clark, that decision didn't come easy.
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Speaking with Robin Roberts on the March 7 episode of "Good Morning America," Clark explained her mindset to enter the draft and leave Iowa behind.
"I think there's pros and cons to both sides, and that's what made the decision so difficult," Clark said. "It was almost a win-win, but at the same time, a lose-lose, because I was giving up something.
"I'm just kind of ready for the next chapter and a new challenge in my life. But, I thi…nk the reason that I decided to announce it when I did is to have that closure, especially ahead of Senior Night."
Clark put an exclamation point on a sensational college career by passing "Pistol" Pete Maravich's record for the most points in Division I history during that senior night matchup vs. then No. 2-ranked Ohio State. Iowa would also win the game, 93-83, and continue to march towards the tournament.
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As far as her next step goes, Clark is all but a lock to go No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft to the Indiana Fever, and she knows that fans will be lining up to see the next season of the Clark show.
"I think it's just the style of basketball that I play, but I think also people love the fire, and the emotion that I have and the smile I always have on my face. …
"People love the long shots, people love the good passing, people love the fire."
Next up for Clark and the Hawkeyes is March Madness, where they'll look to finish the job after coming up just short vs. LSU in the 2023 national championship game. Expect Caitlinsanity to continue until the music stops.
Caitlin Clark on breaking NCAA scoring record
On March 3, Clark passed Pete Maravich as the NCAA's all-time leading scoring in basketball in a win over Ohio State. Clark knew the moment was just about as perfect as it could go.
"We're playing the No. 2 team in the country, on Senior Night, on the home court, you can't really script it any better," she said.
Caitlin Clark court logo
On Feb. 15, Clark set the record for the most points in NCAA Division I women's basketball history in typical Clark fashion: She pulled up from way, way downtown, draining a 3-pointer vs. Michigan.
Not soon after, Iowa immortalized the moment by putting a decal on the floor of the Carver-Hawkeye Arena from where Clark nailed the shot. Even Clark was a bit surprised by how far she hit the shot.
"It's just kind of crazy; when I first went out there and looked at it, I was just like, 'This has to be in the wrong spot,'" Clark said with a laugh. "It just seems way further back from where I shot it from."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caitlin Clark explains WNBA draft decision: 'It was almost a win-win'
