Caitlin Clark, an Iowa basketball star and the top pick in the WNBA Draft, rose above the sport during her college career and attained unprecedented levels of prominence in her final year as a Hawkeye. However, her ascent to fame was not without controversy. Outside of the overwhelmingly positive comments about her scoring, passing, and rebounding skills, Clark was frequently the subject of attention due to her on-court confrontations with LSU and the cautions she received from WNBA players about the “reality” of professional basketball. LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson stood behind Clark’s impact on women’s basketball, though, lifting her up ahead of the Iowa product’s highly anticipated professional debut as the face of the Indiana Fever.

Regarding Clark’s widespread media attention, Johnson said, via The Baller Alert Show, “it is good for the game.” Say whatever you want about Caitlin Clark—she is a star. That thing is shootable by her. I give her the go-ahead. I adore how America has gravitated toward her and how it is only now starting to elevate women.”

During the first two years of her LSU career, Johnson faced Clark twice; the Hawkeyes first in the 2023 national championship game and then again in this year’s Elite Eight. The future star of LSU, who started both games, was instrumental in the Tigers’ early success. In her freshman and sophomore seasons, she averaged 13.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, winning the SEC Freshman of the Year title in 2023.

“She is merely acting,” Johnson remarked. I am in the middle of it, so it is simply breathtaking to watch. I had two opportunities to share a court with her. She is simply a skilled player. However, I adore it. I believe that in the upcoming era of college basketball, it will present more opportunities for women like me.”

With ESPN airing 36 of the Fever’s 40 regular-season games for a national audience, Clark’s influence on the WNBA is already enormous. Over the previous five seasons, the national championship game between her and South Carolina, her final college game, was the most watched basketball match on any network, regardless of gender.

In addition, Clark is scheduled to ink a $28 million eight-year contract with Nike that will include a signature shoe. The agreement, which is an extension of the NIL contract Clark signed with Nike during her time at Iowa, is the biggest sponsorship contract ever signed by a women’s basketball player.

Diana Taurasi changed her opinion about the rookie-season prospects of Clark, the league newcomer, before the player made her WNBA debut.

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“These days, the new fans are extremely perceptive. Through Dana Scott of The Arizona Republic, Taurasi stated, “You can not say anything.” It is similar to the learning adjustments that occur when a person moves from kindergarten to first grade and from high school to college. I do not believe I stated anything that was not supported by the facts. Greatness will translate, as it always does, and Clark has demonstrated this on all fronts. I do not think the WNBA is any different.”