Is Caitlin Clark going to the WNBA? Exploring Iowa Hawkeyes' potential future options
Caitlin Clark put on a strong showing in the NCAA Women's Tournament, bringing in plenty of eyes to the sport. The 2023 Naismith Player of the Year was able to set multiple NCAA Tournament records. Take a look at whether or not Clark will turn pro after her impressive tournament run.
How has Caitlin Clark performed as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes?
Caitlin Clark has improved her output each season. As a freshman, she averaged 26.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 7.1 apg, 1.3 spg and 0.5 bpg while shooting 47.2% from the field, 40.6% from 3-point range and 85.8% from the free-throw line. In her sophomore season, Clark averaged 27.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 8.0 apg, 1.5 spg and 0.6 bpg while shooting 45.2% from the field, 33.2% from 3-point range and 88.1% from the free-throw line.
Clark was able to gain national attention as a junior. She averaged 27.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 8.6 apg, 1.5 spg and 0.5 bpg while shooting 47.3% from the field, 38.9% from 3-point range and 83.9% from the free-throw line.
Clark became the first player in NCAA Tournament history to have a 30 or 40-point triple-double in the Elite Eight. She finished with 41 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals while shooting 11 of 19 from the field, 8 for 14 from 3-point range and 11 of 13 from the free-throw line.
She followed that up with another 41-point performance in the Final Four, adding six rebounds, eight assists and one steal while shooting 15-31 from the field, 5-17 from 3-point range and 6-6 from the free-throw line. In the National Championship, Clark had 30 points, two rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 9-22 from the field, 8-19 from 3-point range and 4-5 from the free-throw line.
Will Caitlin Clark enter the WNBA after her strong NCAA Tournament?
Caitlin Clark will be back with the Iowa Hawkeyes for at least one more season. WNBA rules stipulate that a player must be 22 years of age or set to turn 22 years old, during the calendar year of the WNBA Draft. Clark turned 21 in January, making her ineligible to turn pro until the 2024 WNBA Draft.
After her Hawkeyes suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers in the National Championship game, returning for her senior season will allow Clark to make one more run at becoming a national champion.