When Caitlin Clark shows up at a basketball game, you can count on her to steal the show—whether she’s dropping threes from half-court or hyping up her boyfriend’s team from the stands. But during a recent Butler Bulldogs game, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year didn’t need a basketball in her hands to make headlines.
Clark was spotted courtside, where her passion for basketball—and, evidently, sibling rivalry—was on full display. As Butler assistant coach Connor McCaffery guided his squad to an impressive 87-77 victory over Mississippi State, Caitlin couldn’t contain her excitement. In a moment captured on video (and immortalized on social media), she gave her brother Colin a celebratory shove that had more force than some defenders in the WNBA playoffs.
The clip, now making the rounds online, shows Caitlin practically channeling her inner Dennis Rodman. Was it playful? Absolutely. Did Colin see it coming? Absolutely not. Fans quickly dubbed the shove “Clark’s Full-Court Press,” and it’s safe to say the internet is having a field day.
For Caitlin, cheering on Connor McCaffery has become her favorite offseason hobby. The Indiana Fever All-Star has been a regular at Butler games this season, balancing her sideline role as both a girlfriend and a heckler—though her heckles are probably more constructive than your average fan’s. With Connor navigating his first year as an assistant coach, Caitlin is all in, describing it as a “fun” and “proud” chapter in their lives.
“Connor’s basketball IQ is ridiculous,” she said in September, clearly impressed by her boyfriend’s ability to dissect defenses and draw up plays. “It’s fun to bounce ideas off each other… plus, it gives me something to do in the offseason besides beat Colin in driveway hoops.”
And what an offseason distraction it has been. Friday’s game marked Butler’s fourth consecutive win, bringing their record to a sparkling 6-1, which leads the Big East standings. Standout performances from Jahmyl Telfort (24 points) and Pierre Brooks II (22 points) propelled the Bulldogs to victory, while Patrick McCaffery, Connor’s younger brother, chipped in with an all-around effort of six points, five rebounds, and two assists.
As the Bulldogs thrive under coach Thad Matta and his staff, Caitlin’s courtside presence is adding a unique spark to the atmosphere. But don’t expect her to be just a passive observer. Whether she’s trading pointers with Connor or accidentally starting a wrestling match with her brother, Caitlin is fully engaged—sometimes a little too literally.
The Bulldogs’ next game is set for Dec. 4 against Eastern Illinois, but good luck topping the drama from Friday night. Between the high-energy plays on the court and the viral antics off it, Butler basketball is quickly becoming must-watch TV—and not just for the fans of the Big East.
So, moral of the story? If you’re sitting courtside with Caitlin Clark, keep your head on a swivel. You never know when she might celebrate a defensive stop by calling for a pick-and-shove.
