Caitlin Clark receives harsh warning from Brittney Griner

The Phoenix Mercury forward recalled the adjustments she had to make in her rookie year.

Brittney Griner (L) and Caitlin Clark were the top picks in their respective drafts.LAPRESSE

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Caitlin Clark is a sporting and advertising phenomenon. The arrival of the former Iowa Hawkeye to the Indiana Fever has sparked all kinds of reactions among the media, fans, and players. Among the latter, veteran Brittney Griner issued a stern warning to the rookie: Professional basketball is a different world.

In an interview with People magazine for the recent release of her book “Coming Home,” Griner admitted that the arrival of the 2024 draft class will be a turning poing for the WNBA. “The hype that Caitlin and some others have right now is amazing for the league. There’s good talent coming in,” Griner accepted.

The Phoenix Mercury forward recalled that her arrival to the WNBA 10 years ago, as the first overall selection in the 2013 Draft, was very complicated for her. Although Griner was called a “generational” talent, like Clark, she had to make serious adjustments to her game to adapt to professional basketball.

“It’s different when you come from college to the pros. I went from top dog to my numbers going down a bit,” Griner recalled. The star forward went from averaging 22.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with the Baylor Lady Bears to 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and one assist with the Mercury.

Clark will face tougher competition

Griner recalled that her first season as a professional was an “eye-opener” and warned Clark that the competition would be very different from what she faced in college. “You’re going up against grown women. This is how they feed their families. This is not just for the love of the [game]. This is their livelihood,” the player explained.

She recalled when she arrived on the WNBA hardwood, “I had to get stronger, lock in a little more. There will be some growing [pains] for her, but she’ll be fine.”

Despite her respect for Clark, Griner admitted that she was not a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, especially when they reached the finals of the NCAA Tournament, where they faced the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Griner and coach Dawn Staley

The Mercury forward is an old friend of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley. Griner worked under Staley on Team USA, and the coach was one of her biggest supporters during her imprisonment in Russia.

“I saw [Staley] at the Final Four, right before the National Championship. I told her, ‘Go get it. That’s yours,'” Griner recalled. “I just knew South Carolina was going to win,” said the forward.

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Caitlin Clark celebrates her graduation in style leaving fans in tears

Caitlin Clark got her degree from the University of Iowa

Caitlin Clark has had a lively start to her WNBA careerLAPRESSE

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Actualizado 12/05/2024 – 23:07 CDT

Caitlin Clark recently concluded her illustrious collegiate career with a bittersweet loss in the NCAA Women’s National Championship. Despite the defeat, Clark’s journey in basketball is far from over as she embarks on her professional career in the WNBA.

Drafted as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever shortly after the NCAA title game, Clark wasted no time diving into the professional realm. She diligently completed her first training camp and preseason with the Fever, eagerly anticipating her official debut in the WNBA.

However, amidst the whirlwind of transitioning to the pros, Clark faced a significant moment of missing her graduation ceremony at the University of Iowa. It was a milestone she had undoubtedly looked forward to, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and dedication both on and off the court.

Yet, Clark’s new teammates in Indiana, displaying the camaraderie and support that defines the essence of team sports, orchestrated a heartfelt surprise for her. In a touching gesture before Sunday’s practice, the Fever presented Clark with a “Certificate of Graduation,” acknowledging her academic achievement and celebrating her accomplishments beyond basketball.

Fans were moved to tears by her teammates’ gesture

The genuine camaraderie between Clark and her new teammates captured the hearts of fans, evoking emotions of admiration and warmth. A video capturing the wholesome moment circulated on social media, drawing an outpouring of support and appreciation for the camaraderie exhibited within the Fever‘s ranks.

As Clark gears up for her official WNBA debut, the touching exchange with her teammates serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds forged through shared experiences, both on and off the court. With the support of her team and the unwavering backing of her fans, Caitlin Clark embarks on the next chapter of her basketball journey with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie.