If you thought family gatherings at the McCaffery household were intense before, just wait until you hear this! The youngest McCaffery, Jack, has decided to ditch the family tradition of donning the Iowa Hawkeyes jersey and is blazing his own trail with the Butler Bulldogs. Talk about sibling rivalry on steroids!
When Jack’s decision hit Instagram courtesy of @tiptonedits, the reactions were priceless. Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery, Jack’s brother who now moonlights as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, couldn’t help but show their support (and maybe a bit of relief that Thanksgiving dinners won’t be all about Hawkeye basketball anymore).
Connor, ever the man of few words, let his emojis do the talking. His excitement was evident, even if he didn’t drop a Shakespearean monologue to celebrate. Meanwhile, Caitlin was over the moon, responding with a resounding “Yessssirrrr.” Clearly, she’s stoked about the prospect of fewer Hawkeye games and more Bulldogs action.
The Great Butler Escape: Jack McCaffery’s Quest for Independence
Fran McCaffery, the head honcho of Hawkeyes men’s basketball, might be nursing a bit of a bruised ego. His youngest son, Jack, has opted out of the family business (aka Iowa basketball) to play for Butler. The decision wasn’t exactly a surprise, as “The Gazzette” spilled the beans back in February, revealing Jack’s desire to “try something different” and “blaze [his] own path.”
Jack McCaffery had a slew of offers from Bryant, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest, but ultimately, he chose the Bulldogs. Why, you ask? In his own words to 247Sports: “They offered me a little over a year ago and stayed consistent recruiting me this summer. They had a coach at every single one of my games this summer, and I felt like they really wanted me. My brother goes there, too, and he likes it a lot, so it helped my decision.” Because nothing says “I’m making my own way” like following your brother to the same school.
A New Chapter for Caitlin and Connor
With Jack now in Indiana, Caitlin and Connor have one more reason to cheer from the stands. Caitlin, a superstar rookie for the Indiana Fever, and Connor, who’s learning the ropes under Rick Carlisle with the Pacers, are all set to catch a few Butler games. The dynamic duo’s packed schedules won’t stop them from supporting the McCaffery legacy.
Butler’s season-opener against the Houston Cougars on Dec. 7 is already shaping up to be a highlight. Don’t be surprised if you spot Caitlin and Connor in the crowd, probably juggling basketballs and popcorn, ready to cheer on Jack and his teammates.
The Final Word: A McCaffery-Free Iowa?
So, the Iowa Hawkeyes won’t see Jack McCaffery in their lineup. But hey, let’s not cry over spilled Gatorade. Instead, let’s celebrate the new chapter of McCaffery madness at Butler. Caitlin and Connor might not be donning black and gold, but they’ll still bring their A-game as the ultimate hype team for Jack. The Hawkeyes’ loss is Butler’s gain, and college basketball just got a lot more entertaining.
With the new collegiate season around the corner, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, basketball drama, and sibling support that will keep the McCaffery saga alive and kicking.
