Caitlin Clark responds to WNBA star A’ja Wilson’s claims that her meteoric rise comes down to her race

Caitlin Clark has responded to WNBA star Aj’a Wilson’s claims that her meteoric rise in popularity is due to her race ahead of her competitive debut on Wednesday.

Just a day after Wilson, a power forward for the Las Vegas Aces, told The Associated Press that her “blood boils” when people refuse to believe ethnicity is a factor in marketability, Clark was asked if the “race element” was ever crossed. her thoughts during her journey to the top of women’s basketball during an Indiana Fever press conference.

“Yes, I think there are opportunities for every player in women’s basketball. I think the more opportunities we can provide across the board will take women’s basketball to the next level. It doesn’t have to be one or two players. I think that even goes back to college,” Clark said Tuesday before taking on the Connecticut Sun. She finished with 20 points and three assists in the 71-92 loss.

“The equality in women’s basketball makes more people want to come and watch it,” she further emphasized. “And I think the more we can spread the love, show people, show their talents, show their teams, we’ll just continue to elevate it.” I think that’s the most important thing.’

Before the 21-year-old Clark came a long list of talented white WNBA players like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, but the former Iowa point guard’s fame was a lot more notable than that of the two former Seattle Storm stars, perhaps due to her performance in college with Hawkeyes and simple approach to the game.

In addition to back-to-back NCAA Championship appearances, Clark is now the NCAA Div. I is the all-time leader (men and women) despite her shortcomings in title games, making her the WNBA’s first overall pick in the 2024 draft class. Her player profile is also recognizable to many people, as she grew up in a family from the middle class in ‘America’s Heartland’, also known as the Midwest.

On Wednesday, she remained unapologetic when asked about Wilson’s claims — an adjective Angel Reese has used many times in the past — as she revealed, “I’ve had a lot of fun being in the spotlight and this to help the game grow and move forward. , and I will continue to do so.’

She also seemed confident for a rookie entering her first full professional season.

“I think I know firsthand how talented this league is,” Clark said, adding, “Whether it was me as a young kid, or me playing here now, or how many talented players there are in this league .

“The more we can share the love, the better this competition will be.”

Ticket sales in the WNBA on resale platforms have soared since April, when Clark was drafted by the Fever, with her celebrity helping to shine a spotlight on the women’s league, which has long lagged in popularity compared to the men’s.

Veterans and fans said the change was evident at Mohegan Sun Arena, which hasn’t sold out a home opener since 2003.

Fans wearing Clark jerseys crowded into seats as framed photos of the 6-foot-4 sharpshooter were offered for sale at a silent auction alongside photos of New England sports heroes like Tom Brady and Larry Bird.

“The WNBA is always under attack from people. We understand it. We hear the jokes. But I think this is the doorway,” said Raul Santana, a five-year Sun season ticket holder who works at the Mohegan Sun casino.

The ice-veined Clark showed no sign of nerves before tip-off, telling a crowd of reporters she was just excited to go to court.

“There’s just a different buzz in the air,” she said. “That’s what women’s basketball should be.”