Caitlin Clark Declares for 2024 WNBA Draft, Solidifying No. 1 Pick
In a surprising turn of events, Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark has officially declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, solidifying her position as the No. 1 pick. This announcement puts an end to the speculation surrounding Clark’s future and confirms her status as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent years.
Clark took to social media to share the news, stating that she will not be returning to Iowa for a fifth season. Due to the COVID-19 waiver from the 2020-21 season, Clark was eligible to play an additional year in college, but she has decided to take her talents to the professional level. With her exceptional skills and charismatic personality, Clark is expected to be a perfect fit for the Indiana Fever.
The ESPN mock draft had previously listed Clark as the theoretical No. 1 pick, but now it is a certainty. Another top prospect, UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers, has already announced her decision to return to UConn for the 2024-25 season. However, there are still other players, such as Stanford senior Cameron Brink, who have yet to make their decisions known.
Brink is a highly regarded player who could potentially return for a fifth season. Until she and others who are eligible for the draft but still have college eligibility make their decisions, they will remain on the draft board. One such player is Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Rickea Jackson, who has already exercised the COVID-19 waiver to play this season.
The first round of the draft is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several talented players vying for top spots. Alongside Clark, Brink, Jackson, and others, South Carolina center Aliyah Boston and UConn power forward Aaliyah Edwards are also expected to be high picks.
As for Clark, her impressive college career has seen her surpass records set by notable players such as Kelsey Plum and Lynette Woodard. She is even closing in on the legendary Pete Maravich’s NCAA men’s scoring record. With her scoring prowess, Clark has been averaging an incredible 32.2 points per game, but it remains to be seen if she can maintain such high numbers in the WNBA.
While it may be unlikely for Clark to average 30 points per game in the professional league, her exceptional playmaking ability could certainly carry over. With an average of 8.7 assists per game, Clark could join the ranks of players like Courtney Vandersloot and Ticha Penicheiro, who have achieved similar numbers in the WNBA.
Another standout player in the draft is Stanford power forward Cameron Brink. In a recent game, Brink showcased her skills with a remarkable 25-point, 23-rebound performance that secured the Pac-12 regular-season title for the Cardinal. With the departure of Nneka Ogwumike, the Los Angeles Sparks are in need of a player who can make an immediate impact, and Brink fits the bill perfectly.
Rickea Jackson of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers is another player to watch out for. Despite missing eight games due to injury earlier in the season, Jackson has been a force on the court, leading her team in scoring and rebounding. Her offensive game is expected to expand at the professional level, particularly as she develops her 3-point shooting.
The draft also presents an opportunity for teams to invest in young talent with high potential. The Washington Mystics, for example, are in transition mode after losing key players in free agency. They could benefit from selecting a player like Australian small forward Puoch, who has shown promise in her native country’s league.
With each team having specific needs and strategies, the draft promises to be an exciting event for both players and fans alike. As the top prospects prepare to make their transition to the professional level, the WNBA can look forward to an influx of talent that will shape the future of the league.
