When it comes to transitioning from college basketball to the professional level, rookies in the WNBA are faced with a unique set of challenges. UConn women’s basketball coach, Geno Auriemma, acknowledged that rookies must navigate the growing pains of being a professional basketball player. However, Auriemma went on to express his concern that the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark has been specifically targeted with physical play, which goes beyond the typical rookie experience.
Unfair Targeting of Caitlin Clark
Auriemma highlighted an incident where Caitlin Clark was aggressively shoulder-checked from behind by Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter during a recent game. This non-basketball play resulted in Clark being knocked down, initially ruled as a common foul but later upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 upon review. Auriemma described the targeting of Clark as extreme, especially considering she was the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. He compared the situation to past NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, noting that they did not face the same level of physical targeting when they entered the league.
While Auriemma expressed his concerns about the treatment of Caitlin Clark, some of his former players have offered contrasting views. Rebecca Lobo, a former UConn and WNBA player, suggested that the attention Clark receives on the defensive end is unprecedented for a rookie. Despite acknowledging the physicality Clark faces, Lobo did not perceive it as excessively dirty until the incident involving Chennedy Carter.
Normalizing Physical Play
On the other hand, Breanna Stewart, another former UConn standout and current WNBA star, emphasized that physical play is a standard part of the league that all players must adapt to. Stewart, who has faced Clark and the Indiana Fever multiple times, highlighted the competitive nature of the WNBA, where every team strives to win. She emphasized the importance of understanding and playing through physical challenges at the highest level of women’s basketball.
The discussion surrounding Caitlin Clark’s experience in the WNBA reflects the broader issue of physical play in women’s professional basketball. While there are differing opinions on the level of targeting Clark has faced, it is clear that adapting to the physical demands of the WNBA is a crucial aspect of a player’s development. As the league continues to evolve and attract attention, rookies like Clark will need to navigate the challenges of physical play while striving to make their mark on the court.
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