Caitlin Clark is set to officially join the WNBA this Monday, anticipated to be the top pick in this year’s draft.
In the run-up to her entry, several WNBA stars have weighed in on her imminent arrival.
Diana Taurasi, for instance, hinted at the challenges ahead for the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, suggesting that “reality is coming.” On the other hand, former No. 1 pick Nneka Ogwumike expressed nothing but admiration for Clark during an ESPN interview, stating she is “excited” to compete against her.
However, Ogwumike also acknowledged that not everyone might share her enthusiasm due to the considerable hype surrounding Clark. “In this league, when you get new talents, it’s just like any other team. There are people who are trying to make sure that [they] make the team. That they’re still valuable and their spot is still there,” Ogwumike explained. She anticipates that Clark’s arrival might stir some jealousy among players, adding, “So with that may come a bit of jealousy, a little bit of envy, but the reality is her impact is apparent.”
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Ogwumike firmly believes in Clark’s ability to shake up the league: “You can’t deny her impact. Anybody who says, ‘Oh, she’s not that great,’ is downright completely dense. She’s a threat in so many different ways, but she’s also lifting the tides.”
The prospect of fresh competition from a player like Clark could prove beneficial for the WNBA, fostering intense rivalries that often boost the profile and excitement of sports leagues.
For her part, Clark has acknowledged that she can’t win over everyone but remains focused on herself and her closest supporters.
