Caitlin Clark Reflects on College Basketball Defenses: “They Didn’t Double Me, They Didn’t Trap Me”
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Caitlin Clark, the NCAA Division I basketball all-time leading scorer with an astounding 3,951 points over four seasons, recently shared her thoughts on the defensive strategies she faced during her college career. in a candid interview with TIME, Clark opened up about the stark differences between the college and professional game, notably in terms of defensive intensity and basketball IQ.
“Professional players and professional coaches — this is no disrespect to college women’s basketball — are a lot smarter,” Clark said. “I love women’s college basketball. But if you go back and watch the way people guarded me in college, it’s almost, like, concerning. They didn’t double me, they didn’t trap me, they weren’t physical.”
Clark’s comments highlight a significant gap in defensive tactics between the NCAA and the WNBA. She noted that many of her college opponents did not have the basketball IQ to execute more elegant defensive schemes,which she attributed to the fact that many players do not continue their careers beyond college.
“A lot of those women will never go on to play another basketball game in their life,” Clark explained. “They don’t have the IQ of understanding how the game works. So I completely understand it. And it’s no disrespect at all. They don’t have the IQ. You have to simplify it for girls at that age.”
A Dominant College Career
During her senior season, Clark averaged an impressive 32.1 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, showcasing her unparalleled skill set. She recorded six triple-doubles, including a standout performance in the 2024 NCAA tournament where she scored 41 points and dished out 12 assists in an Elite Eight victory over LSU. In that game, she was primarily guarded by Hailey Van Lith, a 5’7” guard who struggled to contain her.
At the time, many fans and analysts questioned why LSU didn’t double-team Clark or assign a more physical defender to slow her down. The result was a 94-87 victory for Iowa, with Clark’s dominance on full display.
Transition to the WNBA
Clark’s transition to the WNBA was not without its challenges. Initially, she faced a level of physicality and defensive pressure she had rarely encountered in college. However, she quickly adapted, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. The increased defensive intensity in the professional league was a stark contrast to the strategies she had faced in college.
In the TIME interview, clark was watching an NCAA women’s basketball game between USC and Ole Miss when she made a telling observation. “I feel like if I was out there, I would literally have 50 [points],” she said. “The college game is so much easier than professional.”
Clark’s reflections offer a interesting insight into the evolution of her game and the differences between the college and professional levels.Her ability to adapt and thrive at the highest level of women’s basketball is a testament to her talent and determination.
As Clark continues to make her mark in the WNBA, her comments about the college game serve as a reminder of the challenges she faced and overcame, both on and off the court.
Caitlin Clark on College vs. Professional Basketball: ”The Defenses Were Just Different”
Caitlin Clark, the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer with an astounding 3,951 points, recently discussed the stark differences between college and professional basketball defenses.in a candid interview with TIME, Clark reflected on her experiences, highlighting the lower intensity and complexity of defensive strategies she faced in college compared to the WNBA. Her insights provide a fascinating viewpoint on the evolution of her game and the challenges she overcame during her transition to professional basketball.
Interview with Caitlin Clark: College Defenses vs. Professional Tactics
Senior Editor, World Today news: Caitlin, thanks for joining us today. Your recent comments about the differences between college and professional basketball defenses have sparked a lot of conversation. Can you start by explaining what you mean when you say college defenses were “almost concerning” in their simplicity?
Caitlin Clark: Absolutely. When I say “concerning,” I don’t mean it in a negative way toward college basketball. I love the game and have so much respect for the players and coaches. But when you look at the way I was guarded in college, it was very basic. They didn’t double-team me, they didn’t trap me, and there wasn’t much physicality. In the WNBA, defenses are much smarter and more complex. Coaches and players at that level have a much higher basketball IQ, and it shows in how they execute their schemes.
The Role of Basketball IQ in defensive tactics
Senior Editor: You mentioned that many college players don’t have the basketball IQ to execute more complex defensive strategies. Can you expand on that? What do you think contributes to this difference?
Caitlin Clark: Sure. A lot of college players don’t go on to play professionally, so they don’t have the same level of experience or exposure to advanced tactics. In the WNBA, almost every player has been through the grind of college and has a deep understanding of the game. They know how to read plays, anticipate moves, and execute defensive schemes that require a lot of thinking and coordination. In college, it’s more about raw talent and athleticism, which is great, but it doesn’t always translate to the same level of defensive sophistication.
A Dominant College Career: Challenges and Successes
Senior editor: During your senior season, you averaged an amazing 32.1 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. In the Elite Eight game against LSU, you scored 41 points and had 12 assists.Why do you think LSU didn’t double-team or trap you more aggressively in that game?
Caitlin Clark: I think it comes down to the basketball IQ I mentioned earlier. LSU had a great team, but they didn’t have the experience or the defensive schemes to really slow me down. Hailey Van Lith, who was guarding me, is a fantastic player, but at 5’7”, she was at a physical disadvantage. Double-teaming or trapping requires a lot of coordination and confidence, and in college, teams often don’t have that level of trust in their defensive setups. it’s not a knock on them—it’s just the reality of the college game.
Transition to the WNBA: Adapting to Higher Intensity
Senior Editor: Your transition to the WNBA must have been eye-opening in terms of defensive pressure. How did you adjust to the increased physicality and complexity of professional defenses?
Caitlin Clark: It was definitely a challenge at first. In college, I could often get to my spots on the court without much resistance. In the WNBA, defenders are constantly pressuring you, trapping you, and making it harder to execute your game plan. But I’ve always loved a challenge, and I knew I had to adapt. I worked on my ball-handling, my decision-making, and my ability to read defenses more quickly. it’s been a process, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Caitlin clark
Senior Editor: Watching an NCAA game recently, you said, “I feel like if I was out there, I would literally have 50 [points].” Do you think the college game is fundamentally easier than the professional game?
Caitlin clark: In some ways, yes. The college game is faster and more free-flowing, which can be fun, but the defenses aren’t as tight or as smart. In the WNBA, every possession matters, and teams are always looking for ways to disrupt your rhythm. It’s a different kind of challenge,and I think that’s what makes the professional game so rewarding. It’s not just about scoring—it’s about outsmarting your opponents and finding ways to succeed under pressure.
Senior Editor: Caitlin, thank you for sharing your insights. Your journey from college dominance to thriving in the WNBA is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
Caitlin Clark: Thank you! I’m excited for the future and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had along the way.
As Caitlin Clark continues to make her mark in the WNBA, her reflections on the college game serve as a reminder of the challenges she faced and overcame, both on and off the court.
