San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has made it abundantly clear that he is a big admirer of Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. While it might not come as a huge surprise given her extraordinary talent, Wembanyama, one of the NBA’s brightest young stars, has voiced his appreciation for Clark’s game in a way that highlights her influence across both men’s and women’s basketball.
Wembanyama, at just 20 years old, is preparing for his second year in the NBA after an impressive rookie season with the Spurs. Averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game, the 7-foot-4 phenom has quickly established himself as a player with a rare combination of size, agility, and skill that the league has rarely seen before.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, Wembanyama was asked to name a WNBA player who inspires him. His response was both unexpected and heartfelt.
“I think Caitlin Clark,” Wembanyama said. “When she was in college, she was the only college player that I was really in awe of. You know? I’m saying men’s and women’s college basketball—she’s probably the most impressive player I’ve ever seen.”
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It’s hard to disagree with Wembanyama’s assessment. Clark, who made waves in the NCAA during her time at Iowa, finished her collegiate career as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. Her scoring prowess alone would support Wembanyama’s claim, but it doesn’t stop there.
Clark was named the AP Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, leading Iowa to consecutive Final Four appearances. Her exceptional play and leadership not only captivated fans but also left a lasting impression on fellow athletes like Wembanyama.
Clark’s transition from college basketball to the WNBA was seamless. On Thursday, she was named the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, further solidifying her status as a generational talent. Not only did she break multiple WNBA records in her rookie season, such as the record for single-season assists, but she also led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Her impact on the court has been nothing short of remarkable, and she has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.
Wembanyama’s praise for Clark goes beyond her accolades, touching on the way her game left him in awe—a sentiment many basketball fans, regardless of gender or league affiliation, can relate to. Clark’s court vision, deep shooting range, and competitive fire have set her apart from her peers, much like Wembanyama’s unique blend of size and skill has separated him in the NBA.
As Clark enjoys her offseason following a stellar rookie campaign, the focus now shifts to Wembanyama as he prepares to lead the Spurs into the new NBA season. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what the towering Frenchman has in store for his sophomore year in the league. If his rookie season was any indication, Wembanyama is poised to take another significant leap, potentially establishing himself as one of the league’s elite.
With both Wembanyama and Clark continuing to elevate their respective leagues, it’s clear that the future of basketball is in good hands. Wembanyama’s admiration for Clark serves as a reminder that great players recognize greatness, regardless of where it comes from.
As the new NBA season tips off, fans will be watching closely to see how both of these rising stars continue to shape the future of basketball.
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