Caitlin Clark Has Classy Response to WNBA Greats Who Have Questioned Her Skills
It's practically inevitable that Caitlin Clark will be the No. 1 pick during the 2024 WNBA Draft in Brooklyn on Monday evening. As she gears up to join the professional ranks, she was asked about some of the league's biggest stars questioning just how easily her skills will translate to the pros.
Speaking with ESPN's Holly Rowe, Clark had a classy and determined response to the handful of past and present WNBA stars who had spoken critically of her game.
"If you're on the highest stage there's always going to be people that are critiquing you, there's always going to be people that are complimenting you. I think think that just speaks to how I was raised. I've never been one to weigh the opinions of haters too much," said Clark.
"I think the biggest thing for myself is just having confidence in who I am and what I've been able to do with my career. By no means do I think I'm going to go in there and score 30 points per game, but I think I'm confident in my ability annd that's what I'm excited for," she added.
Among Clark's most vocal critics of late has been 10-time WNBA All-Star Diana Taurasi, who warned the transition to the pros may be a difficult one for the Iowa superstar. Taurasi said that, "realty is coming" for Clark when she enters the league.
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart claimed Clark couldn't be the greatest college basketball player of all-time because she didn't win a championship.
Additionally, in February, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes controversially and incorrectly claimed Clark had an extra year of eligibility in an apparent effort to discredit her NCAA scoring record, though she has since walked those comments back.
Clark will certainly be in the spotlight throughout her rookie season in the WNBA, and she'll be looking to prove her doubters wrong with her game on the court.