Why would UConn head coach Geno Auriemma pass on recruiting the highly acclaimed two-time Player of the Year Caitlin Clark?
With her impressive list of accolades, including being a multi-time Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year, Iowa Miss Basketball, and a standout performer in prestigious national events like the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, along with her impressive high school career stats, one might assume she’d be a top target for any college program, especially one like UConn, which boasts a storied basketball tradition and 23 Final Four appearances under Auriemma’s leadership.
However, Auriemma offered a clear rationale for his decision not to pursue Clark: his commitment to Paige Bueckers.
Auriemma explained:
“Well, there’s a lot of kids we didn’t recruit and there’s a lot of kids who don’t want to go to UConn. I committed to Paige Bueckers very, very early, and it would have been silly for me to say to Paige, ‘Hey listen, we’re going to put you in the backcourt and then I’m going to try really hard to recruit Caitlin Clark.’ I don’t do it that way.”
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Acknowledging Clark’s exceptional talent, Auriemma emphasized that recruiting decisions are made based on what’s best for the team’s dynamics and long-term goals. He joked about the prospect of facing Clark on the court, recognizing her skill but also expressing confidence in his own team’s strategy.
While Auriemma respects Clark’s abilities and acknowledges her as a generational talent, he stands by his approach of prioritizing players who align with UConn’s program identity and goals. And given the success of players like Bueckers, Clark, and others in the women’s game, it’s evident that women’s college basketball continues to draw significant attention and acclaim, with tickets for the Final Four selling at a premium compared to the men’s tournament.
This recognition extends to high-profile figures like LeBron James, who has highlighted the talent and impact of players like Clark and Bueckers on the women’s basketball landscape.
