LSU coach Kim Mulkey
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LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey praised Iowa guard Caitlin Clark after Clark led Iowa to an Elite Eight victory over LSU, eliminating the defending national champions. Mulkey called Clark a “generational player” who is impossible to guard and makes her teammates better.
Generational player
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“She’s just a generational player,” Mulkey said. “She just makes everybody around her better.”
Great ones
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“That’s what the great ones do. I think they had a kid who scored 21 and 18, she had 12 assists,” she added. “Caitlin Clark is not going to beat you by herself. It’s what she does to make those other teammates better that helps her score points and them score points to beat you.”
Graduating
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Mulkey told Clark after the game that she was glad Clark was graduating since LSU would never have to face her again.
Something else
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“What did I say to her? I said, ‘I sure am glad you leaving. I said, ‘Girl, you something else.’ Never seen anything like it,” Mulkey said.
Clark dominated
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Clark dominated with 41 points, 9 three-pointers, and 12 assists in 40 minutes.
NCAA records
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She broke numerous NCAA records in the game. Clark’s outstanding senior season propelled Iowa to the Final Four, where they will face UConn, while South Carolina takes on N.C. State in the other semifinal.
Record-Breaking Athlete
via ESPN
Caitlin Clark received a $5 million offer to play 10 games in the Big3 men’s 3-on-3 league against former NBA players. The offer would make her the highest paid women’s basketball player ever.
Generational athlete
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“Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the Big3,” Ice Cube wrote on X.
Historic offer
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“But I won’t deny what’s already out there: Big3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark,” he added.
Ice Cube wrote
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Ice Cube wrote that Clark “can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes.”
Compete physically
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While it could generate substantial endorsement income and benefit both leagues, some question whether a woman could compete physically against male players at NBA levels in a game without restrictions on physicality.
Physically bigger
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“It’s one thing to dominate other women,” David Hookstead of Outkick wrote. “It’s an entirely different animal to play against former NBA stars who are physically bigger, stronger, and faster,” he wrote.
Differences
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“The differences between men and women will only be more obvious in a three-on-three setting where there’s more space to move,” Hookstead stated.
WNBA draft
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Clark still plans to enter the WNBA draft, but the Big3 offer provides an unprecedented opportunity and challenge as she continues her historic college career heading into the NCAA tournament.
Captured hearts
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The Iowa native has captured hearts and headlines with her historic achievements, redefining excellence and setting new standards in the realm of collegiate athletics. Clark’s journey to becoming a generational talent in women’s collegiate basketball is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Record-breaking performance
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Her record-breaking performance during the 2023-24 season has solidified her status as a transformative figure in the sport. From shattering the NCAA women’s basketball all-time scoring record to surpassing renowned figures such as “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Stephen Curry, and Diana Taurasi, Clark’s list of milestones is unparalleled.
Record books
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Throughout her career, Caitlin Clark has continually rewritten the record books, leaving an indelible mark on women’s college basketball history. From setting the Big Ten’s all-time assist record to achieving the distinction of being the first Division I college basketball player, male or female, to amass 3,000 or more points, 900 or more assists, and 800 or more rebounds in a career, Clark’s accomplishments exemplify a level of excellence that transcends gender and sport.
Impact of Caitlin Clark
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The impact of Caitlin Clark extends beyond her individual achievements, sparking a surge of public engagement in women’s college basketball. Her influence has been instrumental in attracting record-breaking attendance at games, elevating the visibility of women’s sports, and inspiring athletes of all ages across various disciplines.
Caitlin Clark Effect
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The “Caitlin Clark Effect” has not only transformed women’s college basketball but has also redefined the broader landscape of athletics, underscoring her status as one of history’s most influential women in sports.
Extraordinary talent
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Caitlin Clark’s extraordinary talent has garnered widespread acclaim and national recognition, as evidenced by her recent accolades. As the recipient of the 2024 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, Clark has been acknowledged as the nation’s outstanding women’s college basketball player, adding to her impressive array of postseason awards and achievements. Her exceptional performance has earned her a place among the most decorated and revered athletes in collegiate athletics.
Inspire
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As Caitlin Clark continues to make history and inspire countless individuals, her enduring legacy is poised to resonate far beyond the confines of the basketball court. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
New era
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Through her groundbreaking achievements, Clark has not only elevated the stature of women’s collegiate basketball but has also galvanized a new era of sportsmanship, leadership, and athletic excellence.
Athletic prowess
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Clark’s unprecedented impact on women’s collegiate basketball stands as a testament to the transformative power of athletic prowess, determination, and resilience. As she continues to redefine the boundaries of achievement and sportsmanship, her legacy will endure as a symbol of empowerment, inspiration, and unyielding dedication to the pursuit of greatness.
