The internet always weighs in.
Caitlin Clark has long been a standout figure in basketball, garnering attention for her remarkable skills on the court and numerous accomplishments. From surpassing records set by former greats like Pete Maravich to earning praise from NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Iowa Hawkeyes sensation continues to captivate fans.
Her latest achievement has once again placed her in the spotlight, this time drawing comparisons to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Clark secured her third consecutive Big Ten championship with the Iowa Hawkeyes, leading them to a 94-89 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the finals. With an impressive performance, including 34 points, Clark earned the Big Ten Tournament MVP title for the third time, a feat unmatched since 1995.
Following the game, the 22-year-old paid homage to Kobe Bryant by recreating one of his iconic moments. Mimicking Bryant’s pose with the NBA championship trophy from June 15, 2001, Clark posed with the Big Ten championship trophy, even wearing Nike shoes from Bryant’s Black Mamba collection. Her tribute didn’t go unnoticed, as Vanessa Bryant congratulated her on Instagram for the achievement.
RELATED: Caitlin Clark Seemingly Hints at Wanting To Play In Paris Olympics
Despite a challenging start to the game, with Iowa trailing by 13 points and Clark scoring only 4 points in the first half, she rallied in the second half to lead her team to victory with an impressive stat line of 34 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Reflecting on the win, Clark expressed pride in her team’s resilience.
While Clark’s accomplishments have earned her widespread admiration, her homage to Kobe Bryant’s pose sparked mixed reactions from NBA fans.
Some applauded her tribute, acknowledging her potential for greatness, while others questioned the appropriateness of the gesture given her team’s circumstances. Nonetheless, Clark’s talent and dedication to the game continue to make her a standout figure in basketball.
