Caitlin Clark, the standout guard from the University of Iowa and the all-time women’s scoring leader in major US college basketball, revealed her decision to enter the WNBA Draft following her current record-breaking season. The 22-year-old Iowa native announced her intentions on social media ahead of her team’s regular-season finale against Ohio State.
“While the season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa. I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft,” Clark shared in her social media post.
With 3,650 career points to her name, Clark surpassed the previous record held by 1970s Kansas star Lynette Woodard after a remarkable 33-point performance in a recent game against Minnesota. If she scores just 18 points in her final regular-season game against Ohio State, Clark will surpass the all-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s or women’s scoring record set by 1960s Louisiana State star Pete Maravich in 1970, predating the introduction of the 3-point shot.
The Indiana Fever own the top pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, putting Clark in a prime position as one of the most highly sought-after prospects. Her decision to enter the draft marks the culmination of a stellar collegiate career where she showcased her exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Clark’s announcement has generated significant buzz, with tickets for her final college game against Ohio State reportedly fetching record prices on the resale market, exceeding $500. This underscores the immense anticipation surrounding Clark’s historic achievement and her transition to the professional ranks.
Departing Iowa after four successful seasons, Clark will forgo the possibility of competing in the 2024-25 campaign for the Hawkeyes. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shortened 2020-21 season, Clark’s talent and dedication have solidified her status as one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history and a potential game-changer in the WNBA.
