Caitlin Clark might be lethal from three-point range, but lately, she’s been dishing out assists from the stands. The WNBA star has found a unique way to spend her offseason: regularly turning up at Butler University men’s basketball games, and it’s not just for the nachos. The Iowa legend has become Butler’s unofficial cheerleader, thanks to her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, who’s now an assistant coach for the team. Who says romance and basketball can’t mix?
Clark isn’t one to take a typical offseason approach of sipping piña coladas on the beach—no, that would be too mainstream. Instead, she’s been courtside, supporting not just Connor, but his younger brother, Jack McCaffery, the latest towering recruit for Butler’s squad. Jack, at a casual 6’8″, is trying to prove that basketball talent runs thick in the McCaffery family veins. And if Jack’s jumper is half as good as Clark’s three-point shot, the Butler Bulldogs might just bulldoze through the season.
But what’s drawing the Indiana Fever star to Butler games more than her love for the game? It might be a mixture of sibling rivalry and pure, unadulterated loyalty—or maybe Connor’s persuasion game is stronger than his play-calling. After all, as Butler’s assistant coach, he’s got a vested interest in making sure his girl shows up to root for the team. Who knows? Maybe Clark’s courtside presence is the Bulldogs’ secret weapon. Forget strategies; Butler might be banking on “Caitlin Clark in the Stands” for their game-winning boost.
The McCaffery Connection: Shooting Stars and Big Expectations
But let’s not forget about the younger McCaffery. Jack, a sharpshooter who might just rival Caitlin’s impeccable range, is part of a recruiting class that’s giving Butler fans something to talk about. Alongside other young talents like Jackson Keith and Azavier Robinson, the 2024 class has the Bulldogs ranked 12th in the nation. This is a historic leap for Butler, whose previous best ranking was a less-than-stellar 44th. With Jack on board, Butler might just be trading that old “underdog” title for something a little more fitting—like “team to beat.”
If Jack feels the weight of expectations, though, he’s hiding it well. After all, it’s hard to be intimidated when your family is basically basketball royalty. Patrick McCaffery, Connor’s older brother, is already making waves as the season’s leading scorer, while Jack has the opportunity to carve out his own legacy—and maybe, just maybe, live up to the sibling hype.
When Hoops and Love Collide
Clark’s not the only one keeping an eye on the McCafferys. Butler fans have spotted her regularly, often cheering alongside Connor’s mother and other familiar faces, including none other than Tyrese Haliburton (yes, the Indiana Pacers star) and his girlfriend. Forget “couple goals”—this is practically a basketball dynasty in the making.
And let’s be real—if Jack’s shooting is anywhere near Clark’s killer three-point skills, opponents better start practicing their zone defense. It’s a whole family of shooters, and Clark’s courtside presence might just be the Bulldogs’ good luck charm. Her enthusiasm alone could power Butler’s offense, or at least help Connor keep his assistant coaching job. No pressure, though.
So, what’s next for Clark? Is she eyeing a spot on the Butler coaching staff? Or perhaps a new career on the greens—because, apparently, she’s been dabbling in some golf lately. As long as she’s not seriously considering swapping her basketball sneakers for golf shoes, Fever fans can rest easy. For now, though, she’s got Butler games to attend, shots to cheer on, and maybe a boyfriend’s coaching career to save.
After all, the only thing Clark loves more than sinking a deep three might just be watching her boyfriend and his little brother ball out. Oh, and Connor, you might want to keep winning games. We hear that Caitlin Clark’s sideline support isn’t just for fun—it’s the McCaffery family’s secret sauce.
Who needs time off when you’ve got love, hoops, and a whole lot of McCafferys to cheer for?