Clark is already standing out in preseason action

 

Caitlin Clark’s competitive debut in the WNBA is mere days away, and the Indiana Fever’s newest star is already lighting up opponents in preseason action — generating even more hype and excitement about what lies ahead for the #1 overall pick.

It’s no secret that Clark has put a charge into the WNBA as the league enters a new chapter in its 27-year existence. Former star athletes in the state of Indiana are also highlighting her burgeoning impact in the community already. Former Pacers sharpshooter Reggie Miller is one of them, and Indianapolis Colts legend Peyton Manning just became another.

Valeria Sosa
Peyton Manning: Quarterback, icon, Caitlin Clark fanManning produced the “Full Court Press” docuseries that tracked Clark and other women’s basketball players during the 2023/24 season, and after it premiered, he said that Clark was going to fall in love with Indianapolis — where Manning starred for the Colts between 1998 and 2010, bringing home a Super Bowl title in 2006.”It’s a great place for her to play,” Manning said. “I’m looking forward to watching her.”

Clark is expected to transform the Fever from a WNBA doormat into a contender — but it might not happen overnight. The process will have to play out as Clark finds chemistry with 2023 #1 pick Aliyah Boston, while star shooting guard Kelsey Mitchell is on the mend from an ankle injury that cost her the start of training camp last month.

Nevertheless, all eyes will be on Clark as she tries to take her prodigious scoring ability from the NCAA into the WNBA. The former Iowa Hawkeye’s preseason debut on Friday saw her score 21 points and demonstrate some of the fiery passion that defined her college tenure — and, in Manning’s eyes, will make her so much fun to watch.

“She’s a Chiefs fan, (but) I forgive her for that,” Manning quipped.