"I was really in awe" - Victor Wembanyama dubs Caitlin Clark as most impressive college basketball player ever

By Orlando Silva

Modified Oct 04, 2024 19:10 GMT

San Antonio Spurs' young phenom Victor Wembanyama has made his admiration for Caitlin Clark very clear. The 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year honored the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, who he started admiring when she was still playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

On Friday, the Spurs' official X account shared a video of some of some of their players showing appreciation for WNBA players. After Harrison Barnes gave a shoutout to A'ja Wilson and coach Becky Hammon, Wembanyama chose to highlight Clark, stating that she was the best college player he had seen.

"I think Caitlin Clark," Wembanyama said. "When she was in college, she was the only college player that I was really in awe of the game, you know? I'm saying men and women's college basketball, she's probably the most impressive."

Caitlin Clark and Victor Wembanyama shared several similarities when they became pros. Both were regarded as generational prospects with the potential to leave a lasting mark in their respective leagues. While opinions on Wembanyama were overwhelmingly positive, Clark had a mixed response.

Still, they were able to showcase their talents and confirm what people already believed. Wembanyama played 71 games with the Spurs in his rookie season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 32.5% from deep.

In a similar fashion, Clark played 40 games, averaging 19.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 8.4 apg and 1.3 spg while shooting 41.7% from the field, 34.4% from beyond the arc and 90.6% from the free-throw line.

They both took home the Rookie of the Year award while exciting fans about their futures.

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Caitlin Clark reflects on first WNBA season with emotional message

Year 1 is in the books for Caitlin Clark, who started the 2024 WNBA season struggling to adjust to the pace of the league. However, her game improved over the weeks, eventually leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs with a 20-20 record. Clark took to Instagram to reflect on the season, thanking fans for accompanying her while she fulfilled her childhood dream.

"Year one ✅ — thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two 🖤💫," Clark wrote.

Clark had a record-breaking season despite being constantly under the spotlight and fans can't help but think that this is the start of a successful career.