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Caitlin Clark has been making waves in the basketball world lately, and for good reason. The Iowa freshman guard recently put up a 41-point triple-double, drawing comparisons to none other than the legendary Diana Taurasi. It’s a lofty comparison, but one that is not without merit. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Clark such a special player and how she stacks up against one of the greatest to ever play the game.
First, let’s talk about the triple-double. For those unfamiliar with basketball lingo, a triple-double is achieved when a player records double-digit numbers in three statistical categories, typically points, rebounds, and assists. It’s not an easy feat, and it’s certainly not something you see every day. In fact, Clark’s triple-double was just the ninth in Iowa women’s basketball history. But what really sets her apart is the fact that she scored 41 points in addition to her 10 rebounds and 11 assists. That’s a career-high in points for Clark, and it’s the most by any Iowa women’s basketball player in a single game since 2001.
So what makes Clark such a dominant force on the court? It starts with her scoring ability. Clark is averaging 27.9 points per game this season, which is tops in the nation among freshmen and third overall. She’s not just a volume scorer, though, as her shooting percentages are also impressive. She’s shooting 51.9% from the field, 37.3% from three-point range, and 86.4% from the free throw line. That’s efficiency on another level. But what’s truly remarkable is that Clark is putting up these numbers as a freshman. She’s still adjusting to the college game, still figuring out how to play at this level, and yet she’s already one of the top players in the country.
Of course, scoring is only one piece of the puzzle. Clark is also an excellent passer and rebounder, making her a true all-around player. She’s averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, which is second on the team, and 5.7 assists per game, which is tops on the team. Her ability to distribute the ball and get her teammates involved is a big reason why Iowa’s offense is so potent. It’s not uncommon to see Clark drive to the basket, draw in multiple defenders, and then kick the ball out to an open shooter for an easy three-pointer. She’s a nightmare for opposing defenses, and her versatility makes her a difficult matchup for any team.
So how does Clark compare to Taurasi, one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball? The comparisons are certainly warranted, as both players share a number of similarities. Taurasi was a dominant scorer during her college career at UConn, averaging 20.7 points per game over four seasons. She was also an excellent passer and rebounder, just like Clark. In fact, Taurasi is the only other player in NCAA women’s basketball history to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles in a season, a feat that Clark has already accomplished as a freshman.
But it’s not just their statistical similarities that make the comparison valid. Both players have an innate ability to take over games and make big plays when their teams need them most. They’re both confident, fearless players who aren’t afraid to take the big shot with the game on the line. And they both have a certain charisma and swagger on the court that sets them apart from their peers. When you watch Clark play, you can’t help but be reminded of Taurasi and the way she dominated during her college career.
Of course, it’s important to remember that Clark is still very early in her career. She has a long way to go before she reaches the same heights as Taurasi, who went on to win three WNBA championships and four Olympic gold medals, among numerous other accolades. But there’s no denying that Clark is a special talent with a bright future ahead of her. She’s only going to get better as she continues to develop and refine her game. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be comparing the next generation of college basketball stars to Caitlin Clark.
