What makes Caitlin Clark unique is discussed by Steph Curry, Kim Mulkey, Lisa Bluder, and others.
Basketball players from all levels have praised her ability and the impact she has on not only the women’s collegiate game but also the sport of basketball in general, as she needs just eight more points to break Kelsey Plum’s record.
Before tonight’s game, USA TODAY’s Lindsay Schnell examined what some of the top figures in the sport had to say about Caitlin Clark’s moment.
Check out some of the sentiments and compliments for Caitlin Clark before the Hawkeyes take on the Michigan Wolverines at Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 7 p.m. CT to prepare for this historic occasion.
Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry
The hardest thing to perfect is having balance and rhythm when shooting off the dribble. particularly when you’re a playmaker like her and you’re debating whether to shoot or pass. She can do both, and both are deadly, which is why she poses such a threat.
Steph Curry has a great deal of experience shooting the hoop. He calls Caitlin Clark possibly the best three-point shooter in NBA history a player who can score from anywhere and inspire her teammates to get involved.
Head coach of LSU women’s basketball, Kim Mulkey
She is gifted across generations. She caught my attention the entire time they were playing South Carolina. It was the first time I had ever seen her perform live, and it showed me things about her that aren’t seen on television, like how she opens herself up, how she can utilize a one-step back move to make you believe you have her guarded, and how she can blast past you with a terrific first step rather than lightning speed.
The head coach of the LSU Tigers, who defeated Clark in the national championship game last year, has expressed his admiration for Clark. Mulkey should be commended, though, for seeing her potential as a team player and for showing Caitlin Clark the respect she deserves.
Gus Johnson, a FOX commentator
The only way I can compare seeing her perform live is when (Michael) Jordan visited the area. She is an artist in addition to being a fantastic basketball player because of the originality with which she plays.
Gus Johnson has seen almost everything and has gone around the block. It says it all when someone likens Caitlin Clark to Michael Jordan. She is gifted beyond her generation.
The former WNBA star, Maya Moore
Observing her during the competition, particularly the run they had, let me realize that when an exceptionally skilled offensive player enters the scene, people will take some time to get to know you. The sign of a genuine person is when they continue to improve after doing something repeatedly, just like she did.
Maya Moore possesses some understanding of what it takes to continuously do excellent work. The legend of women’s basketball has high respect for Caitlin Clark, referring to her as the “real deal.”
Former Iowa player and current WNBA player Megan Gustafson
I thought, “This is ridiculous,” as soon as I saw her perform during her freshman year. Her unpredictable nature makes her a constant source of difficulty. She can do anything at any time, you just never know. I found it quite impressive that despite everything she did, she was able to obtain the Iowa record on a post-move.
Megan Gustafson may be the person most familiar with the limelight that Caitlin Clark is currently in. One of Iowa’s greatest, she has witnessed this since Clark’s early Hawkeye days and knows what it’s like.
Former Ohio State athlete Kelsey Mitchell is currently a WBNA player.
Any woman who is stepping up her game has my respect. It always helps to have a bigger guard, and Caitlin has that. Her logo and that size are unique. But it’s all about knowing angles and knowing your spots for any guard. As a scorer, that is an instinctive sensation. Many fail to realize that the goal of this game is to read and respond. That is, in my opinion, unappreciated and undervalued.
Caitlin Clark’s intuition and her capacity to feel the game at a level most players never experience were briefly discussed by Kelsey Mitchell. She may be more open and creative for herself and her teams when she can trust her gut.
Head coach of the Iowa women’s basketball team, Lisa Bluder
We were constantly aware of her unique qualities. She’s always had a unique, positive touch. What else is there to say? Here, Lisa Bluder really hits the mark. Caitlin Clark is a unique player that stands out due to her exceptional talent.