Caitlin Clark’s college career wasn’t just historic—it was downright cinematic. The Iowa Hawkeyes went from a humble program to a national powerhouse, fueled by Clark’s triple-doubles and three-point daggers that made basketball purists salivate. She didn’t just break records; she shattered them into so many pieces that statisticians are still trying to piece together the wreckage. So, naturally, when Iowa faced Drake on Sunday, her legacy was the talk of the town—again.
Former rivals Paige Bueckers, JuJu Watkins, and her former coach, Jan Jensen, couldn’t resist weighing in. And honestly, who could blame them? Clark’s gravitational pull extends far beyond the hardwood.
“Caitlin brought a tidal wave of attention to women’s basketball,” said Bueckers, trying to sum up Clark’s cosmic impact. “She’s carrying women’s sports like Atlas carried the heavens—except she does it with crossovers, not back pain. And she makes it look effortless. It’s unfair, really.”
JuJu Watkins chimed in with her two cents, showing respect for her on-court nemesis. “Great player, good person. She’s the type who’ll drop 40 on you, then help you up off the court—unless she’s too busy celebrating.”
But it was Jan Jensen who really captured the essence of Caitlin Clark’s vibe. “Swagger. Confidence. The type of flair that makes you think, ‘Did she just do that?’ Spoiler: she did. And she knew exactly what she was doing,” Jensen said.
The compliments weren’t just lip service. The numbers Clark posted during her Hawkeye tenure were the kind you’d expect from a video game—on rookie difficulty. And now, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she’s poised to make a similar impact in the pros.
Clark Returns, But the New Hawkeyes Steal the Show
Ahead of the matchup against Drake, Caitlin Clark made an appearance at the Knapp Center to support her beloved Hawkeyes. It wasn’t just a friendly visit; it was like Michael Jordan showing up courtside at your pickup game—electric. She even snapped a photo with Lisa Bluder, her legendary college coach.
Iowa Women’s Basketball posted it with the caption, “A couple of Hawkeye legends 🫶,” because of course, they did. Legends don’t need modesty; they’ve got rings and records for that.
But Clark’s presence wasn’t the only highlight. Iowa, now deep into its post-Clark era, reminded everyone that the cupboard isn’t bare. Addison O’Grady took over, dropping a career-high 27 points and snagging 10 boards. Double-doubles? Routine work. Lucy Olsen chipped in 18 points, while Hannah Stuelke and Teagan Mallegni piled on the misery for Drake.
The result? A comfortable 86-73 victory that improved Iowa’s season record to 4-0. Jan Jensen, now steering the ship, is proving she’s no placeholder. The post-Clark Hawkeyes might lack a singular superstar, but they’ve got depth, grit, and a chip on their shoulder big enough to crush stereotypes.
The Clark Effect: A Legacy Bigger Than Basketball
It’s easy to focus on Clark’s accolades, but her real legacy might be the blueprint she left behind. She proved that women’s basketball isn’t just a niche—it’s a spectacle. From her on-court wizardry to her ability to make everyone from fans to former opponents gush like they’re in a post-game presser, Clark’s impact is undeniable.
Whether it’s Paige Bueckers lauding her poise or JuJu Watkins marveling at her transition to the WNBA, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just a player. She’s a movement.
So while the Hawkeyes march forward, buoyed by new stars and fresh dreams, the shadow of Caitlin Clark continues to loom large. And honestly? They wouldn’t have it any other way.
