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Caitlin Clark dominated women’s college basketball for four years, and now, the point guard is bringing that same energy to the WNBA. Her former opponent, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey, highlighted Clark’s greatness and praised her after being beaten soundly in their last meeting on the court.
LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey Reveals Her Admiration for Caitlin Clark
After winning the NCAA Championship in 2023, LSU faced the Clark-led Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2024 Elite Eight. Though they had defeated Clark previously, this time, she put on a show and led Iowa to a 94-87 win. Clark racked up 41 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds in that game.
After the contest, Mulkey couldn’t help but praise Clark. “She’s just a generational player, and she just makes everybody around her better,” she said.
“I think they had a kid who had 21 [Kate Martin], (because Clark) had 12 assists. Caitlin Clark isn’t going to beat you by herself. It’s what she does to make those other teammates better that helps her score points and them score points to beat you.”
SEE MORE: WNBA Analyst Credits Fever Star Caitlin Clark for Recent Surge in League’s Rising Popularity
In her college career, Clark averaged 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists. And during her rookie WNBA season, she kept up that same level of play. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists in 40 games last season, leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs in the process.
Mulkey later shared that she told Clark after the game she was happy it would be the last time LSU had to face her.
Sue Bird Defends Clark After ESPN’s Snub
Recently, ESPN left Clark out of its top five women’s college basketball players due to the Fever point guard’s lack of titles during her college career. Former Seattle Storm star Sue Bird didn’t take it lightly, though, and defended Clark.
“Listen, I think the way that I’m looking at this: No, Caitlin didn’t win [a national championship]. It’s why she’s not No. 1 [on the list],” Bird said on her “A Touch More” podcast.
“I think going to the national championship game two years in a row, basically playing big in every big game, hitting every big shot in every big moment, there’s something to that clearly.”