This year, the women's NCAA March Madness was spectacular. The finals for the women drew 24 million, while the men did 18.7 million viewers. Part of the disparity is due to women's basketball player Caitlin Clark. Clark attended the University of Iowa, leading her team to back to back finals. Caitlin also made history as the all-time leading scorer. She ended her college career with 3,951 points topping former University Of Washington player Kelsey Plum's previous record of 3,527 point. What makes her so exciting to watch is her ability to shoot 3's and passes. Many sports analyst began nicknaming her the female Steph Curry and she has not disappointed anyone.
Caitlin gained momentum in popularity in 2023 Final 4 when her Iowa team went up against no 1. South Carolina. She was noted for daring the opponent point guard Raven Johnson to shoot, waiving her off in dramatic fashion. Needles to say, Iowa won and moved on to the championship. They had to face another SEC team in LSU and Iowa went as the favorite. Racial tension began to develop for this show down since Iowa is predominately Caucasian and LSU is predominately African American. Then, as the game was coming to an end and Iowa was losing, super star player for LSU Angel Reese, made the "You can't see me" gesture. To add more salt, she pointed to her ring finger imitating Steph Curry when he did it against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals of Golden State who won. Iowa fans was not to pleased as well as those who follow Caitlin. This produced the biggest rivalry between Reese and Clark has ever seen in women's sports leading to the hype for the 2024 season.
2024 Final Four came with such a competitive edge and twist. Iowa met LSU in the Elite 8 and this time they were able to defeat them ending the Angel Reese saga. Caitlin then had to face another rival, Page Bueckers of UConn. Iowa/Clark almost saw their season evaporate but an unusual offensive foul called late in the game on UConn saved their season. However just like last year, Iowa would face another SEC team in the championship. This time a much improved South Carolina team and the waive off gesture from last year came back to haunt Clark. Iowa started off hot and had the feel of an upset but SC settled down and took care of business winning straight out. But despite the win, an impeccable undefeated season and cutting the net for South Carolina, all focus was on Caitlin. Even Coach Dawn Staley for SC during the trophy presentation said some encouraging sentiments to Clark and wished her the best in the WNBA.
No rest for the weary. After coming up short for 2nd time and seeing the last time as a Iowa player. Caitlin was off to New York for the WNBA Draft. And as expected, Clark was the number one pick heading to the Indiana Fever where she will team up with last year's number pick in the WNBA Draft and ironically a former South Carolina player Aliyah Boston.
This past week, training camp got underway. Video clips of Caitlin and Aliyah teaming up has social media in a buzz. Clark has secured hefty endorsements with State Farm, Gatorade, and soon to sign a $28 million contract with Nike. Some people feel this may help other players to get their just due recognition and pay increase as there is a vase difference between what the NBA players make compared to the WNBA.
Some veteran WNBA players have been ridiculed for some of their comments about the rookie in her transitioning from college to pros. Legend Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury stated "reality is coming" and it will take some time to adapt to the WNBA After seeing the workout tape, can't wait to see what this dynamic duo will become.. Let's be on the 👀 out...