Indiana Fever choose Caitlin Clark as first pick in WNBA Draft
NCAA scoring record-holder Caitlin Clark was widely expected as first pick, as rival Angel Reese also chosen as seventh pick in first round
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa sensation and NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer was picked first in the WNBA draft on Monday by the Indiana Fever.
Clark, who helped carry the Hawkeyes to the national championship final this year, was widely expected to be chosen as the first pick.
Her Lousiana State University rival (and off-court friend) Angel Reese was also chosen in the first round, with the Chicago Sky drafting the power forward seventh overall.
In an interview after taking the stage at New York City’s Brooklyn Academy of Music to accept her new jersey, Clark told ESPN she was “grateful” to be entering the WNBA, after foregoing her fifth year of college eligibility to enter the draft.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in 2nd grade,” the Iowa native said. “It’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs, but more than anything I’m just trying to soak it in.”
“I told my mom before this, ‘I earned it,’ and that’s why I’m so proud of it,” she added.
Expectations will be high for Clark, who holds the NCAA’s all-time scoring and assist records for men and women.
The Fever certainly hope she’ll continue her sensational run when she arrives in Indianapolis. The team hasn’t been to the playoffs in nearly a decade.
After the point guard’s pick was announced, players from the NBA’s Indiana Pacers squad shared a video on X welcoming Clark to the state.
The 22-year-old from West Des Moines, Iowa, is credited with helping increase viewership for NCAA women’s basketball.
During last month’s NCAA tournament, her lethal shooting ability and sharp passes helped attract record-setting audience numbers.
The final between Iowa and South Carolina attracted a peak of 24 million viewers, topping the men’s D1 final audience by millions and attracting the most viewers of any college basketball game since 2019.
The quarterfinal and semifinal legs of the tournament also broke records for women’s college basketball viewership.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments