A’ja Wilson Discusses Caitlin Clark’s GOAT Status and Key Missing Element
In the world of women’s college basketball, there is one name that has been making waves and capturing the attention of fans and experts alike: Caitlin Clark. The Iowa star has been dominating the court with her impressive skills and record-breaking performances. However, despite her incredible talent, there is one key element that she is missing, according to A’ja Wilson.
A’ja Wilson, a four-time WNBA champion, believes that Caitlin Clark cannot be considered the greatest women’s college player of all time until she accomplishes something significant. Wilson, who has achieved great success in her own basketball career, knows what it takes to be at the top. In an interview, she stated, “Caitlin Clark is missing one major thing if she wants to be considered the best women’s college player of all time.”
So, what is this missing element that Wilson is referring to? According to her, it all comes down to long-distance shooting. Wilson believes that Clark’s range and ability to make shots from beyond the arc are what set her apart from other players. In fact, Clark recently broke the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record with a remarkable 35-foot logo shot. Wilson explained, “I think a lot of it comes down to her long-distance shooting. That is her separator. You’re not really used to guarding people out there.”
Wilson’s praise for Clark’s shooting abilities is echoed by Sue Bird, another WNBA legend. Bird believes that Clark’s game will translate well into the WNBA and that she has the potential to be an All-Star in her first year in the league. Bird retired from the WNBA in 2022 after an impressive 22-season career. She stated, “It’s going to be hard, but I think she can do it. You do have to see what happens when they get there. You are now playing against adults and this is their career. But I do think she has a chance at having a lot of success early.”
The speculation surrounding Clark’s future has been a topic of discussion among basketball fans. The 22-year-old guard has an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which means she could choose to return to Iowa for another season. However, she also has the option to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she would likely be the number one pick for the Indiana Fever. Bird believes that Indiana would be a great fit for Clark, as she would be teaming up with talented post players Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith.
Whether Clark decides to stay at Iowa or make the jump to the WNBA, all eyes will be on her. Bird attributes the attention and excitement surrounding Clark to her long-range shooting and the evolution of women’s sports, particularly basketball. She stated, “The one thing that cancels out people’s obsession with dunking as it relates to the comparison between men’s and women’s basketball is deep shooting. If we want to call it the logo 3, let’s call it that. For whatever reason, men in particular, they don’t hate on it. There’s nothing to hate on because it is what it is.”
Bird also believes that Clark’s success is coming at the perfect time for women’s basketball, which is currently experiencing a moment of growth and recognition. She stated, “Caitlin, based on just the year in which she was born and doing what she is doing in college right now, is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this moment.”
As Caitlin Clark continues to make headlines and captivate fans with her impressive performances, it is clear that she has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the sport. Whether she becomes the GOAT or not remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – her long-distance shooting and undeniable talent have put her in a league of her own.
Clark’s next game against Indiana will undoubtedly be one to watch, as she continues to showcase her skills and make her case for greatness.