The Caitlin Clark effect is being felt in the Indiana Fever, with teammates predicting a big year for their team and the WNBA.
The all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, Clark is arguably the most highly touted WNBA prospect in recent memory.
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Having already played a major role in changing the landscape of women’s college basketball with Iowa, her impact on the WNBA is already being felt.
Drafted first overall by the Fever, the team has called Gainbridge Fieldhouse home since its inception.
“We used to play in a barn, with six fans,” joked Fever star NaLyssa Smith when asked about the league’s recent growth.
“Now we’re going to play to sold out arenas. People are switching arenas to see us play, it’s going to be huge for us this year.”
The barn in question was the more than 80-year-old Indiana Farmers Coliseum, where the Fever played during Gainbridge’s 2021 renovations.
The WNBA’s expected increase in attendance during Clark’s rookie season has already prompted both the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics to schedule their games against the Fever in larger arenas.
And it looks like the throngs of fans flocking to arenas across the country won’t be disappointed when they finally get to see her take the court.
“She’s crazy,” Smith said.
“You can just say that there is no exaggeration behind what everyone is saying. This girl can really play.
“She can shoot. She can pass the ball with power. So I have to get in shape so I can keep running and be able to make my little layups.”
The Fever’s management was also taken by surprise by Clark.
“I think the best thing about her is she makes everyone better on the court,” general manager Lin Dunn said.
“When she’s there, everyone is better. She has this impact on people. And she is very selfless.
“She’s an excellent passer and so we’re excited to see how she can play with Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, how she can create shots for Kelsey Mitchell.”
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The praise didn’t stop there for Clark, who drew comparisons to WNBA legend Sue Bird.
“I see a lot of characteristics between Bird and Clark 20 years later,” said Dunn, who drafted Bird with the Seattle Storm.
“The interesting thing about Caitlin is her versatility. I felt like Sue was a true point guard, she really wasn’t a two-shot point guard.
“Whereas I see Caitlin as a true point guard who can also combo and play with both because of her shooting ability.”
Caitlin Clark Fever
CAITLIN Clark’s impact was felt throughout the WNBA before she was even drafted.
The college superstar from Iowa went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever, a surprise to absolutely no one.
The Indiana Fever had 36 of their 40 games in the 2024 season scheduled for national TV – up from 22 last year.
Teams also moved their games against the Fever to larger arenas to meet extra ticket demand.
Clark helped the NCAA attract 18.9 million viewers to the women’s championship game, more than the 14.8 million who watched the men’s championship game.
She has also signed a contract with Nike worth more than $20 million.
Dunn went on to say that if Clark adapts to the WNBA and stays healthy, she could end up enjoying a career similar to Bird’s.
Clark will make his long-awaited debut for Indiana in Arlington, Texas, on Friday when they face the Dallas Wings in their preseason opener.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
