SUMMARY
- Multiple WNBA have expressed their feeling against Caitlin Clark being given all the credit for the massive influx of recognition the WNBA has received.
- Clark is agreeably the biggest reason why more fans are tuning into WNBA games these days.
Caitlin Clark will inevitably go down in history as one of the most dominant women’s basketball players ever. However, the magnitude of her presence is being undermined by her own peers and that’s not how the WNBA needs to handle it. Recently, several WNBA have spoken on how they deserve to be recognized for bringing some notoriety to the league.
Angel Reese:
“We got celebrities coming to games. Sold out arenas…The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of 1 person. It’s because of me, too. I want y’all to realize that.”
(via @GNSportsTV, h/t @ClutchPoints)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 3, 2024
Media personnel have also been slamming her on the basis of race, claiming that her ethnicity might also be a reason why people are praising her. But this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Players should realize that bringing race or even gender into a sport-related topic isn’t justifiable. Sports in general, especially basketball is a place where people are supposed to unite and stand beside each other.
Caitlin Clark’s efforts are obviously what brought more supporters to the WNBA
Coming back to why Caitlin Clark deserves more respect than hate from her own peers, she’s done everything that most players in the WNBA haven’t done while they were at the collegiate level. This isn’t to regard what other players have done, but Clark has surpassed several all-time greats during his NCAA journey.
From becoming the first player to score consecutive 40 points in the tournament, to leading the league in three-pointers made in a single season, and topping the all-time list, there are far too many records that she’s broken.
Irrespective of her records, Clark was arguably the most electrifying player in college basketball history. WNBA players need to appreciate that she attracted a large following from the NCAA to watch women’s basketball. While others deserve credit for what they do, they need to enjoy the greatness that it has done for them as a collective.
The negative criticism could take a massive toll on Caitlin Clark’s life
Caitlin Clark hasn’t spoken out about the situation surrounding her name, but there’s no way that word hasn’t reached her yet. The 22-year-old mentality has been quite impressive. Despite being rag-dolled during games, and having some of her worst performances ever, Clark still keeps her mind focused on playing basketball and winning.
But this doesn’t mean that the Indiana Fever guard is mentally indestructible. All the hate or negative criticism may eventually find its way into her head, which could duly impact her performance on the floor. It is safe to assume that everybody wants Clark to have a successful career, but that also comes with her own peers pushing her to be the best she can be.