“NBA Post Michael Jordan”: JJ Redick Compares Caitlin Clark to Legendary Athletes, Deems Her Beneficial for the WNBA

**The Dawn of a New Era in Women’s Basketball**

The Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark as their #1 overall pick yesterday in what was probably the most anticipated Draft in WNBA history. JJ Redick went live on his YouTube Channel right after the conclusion of the first round of the Draft to reveal his thoughts on what he deemed to be a historic moment for basketball. The former NBA star tried to record the impact that Clark’s superstardom has induced on Women’s basketball in the past two years or so.

He also likened the arrival of the former Iowa Hawkeyes star in the WNBA to seminal events in the NBA that were triggered by the exploits of a select few superstars.

The 2024 WNBA Draft was a mere formality from Clark’s perspective because her fate had been sealed the moment she declared for this year’s Draft. However, Redick tried to inform his fans about the magnitude of the event they had just witnessed.

The 39-year-old believed that the 2024 WNBA Draft will be etched in basketball history alongside other memorable events that changed basketball forever. He likened Clark’s arrival in the WNBA to the rise of the likes of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson, who changed the direction of the NBA with their superstardom.

**Driving the WNBA Forward**

“Caitlin Clark is a media driver. She is a ratings driver.

Caitlin Clark pays tribute as Iowa Hawkeyes Coach Lisa Bluder retires

After 24 successful years, Coach Bluder steps down, leaving a legacy of excellence and dedication in women’s basketball

Caitlin Clark reflects on Coach Bluder’s impact ahead of WNBA career(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)LAPRESSE

Indiana Fever guardCaitlin Clark extended her gratitude and congratulations to former Iowa Hawkeyeswomen’s basketball head coach Lisa Bluder, who announced her retirement this Monday. Bluder’s departure marks the end of a remarkable 24-year tenure at Iowa, highlighted by two NCAA championship game appearances in the last two seasons.

Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa standout, expressed her admiration and thanks through a post on X, stating, “Simply no one better at building a team… Thank you for believing in me more than anyone,” adding, “Enjoy retirement, coach. Very much deserved.“

Bluder’s coaching journey at Iowa has been nothing short of historic. Under her leadership, the Hawkeyes have seen tremendous success, culminating in her assistant coach Jan Jensen being named as her successor. Bluder’s legacy includes a remarkable 528-254 record, three Big Ten Coachof the Year awards, and the prestigious 2019 Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year honor.

Caitlin Clark celebrates Coach Bluder’s player-centric philosophy as key to her success

Clark, who has risen to prominence under Bluder’s mentorship, has often praised her coach for her adaptability and player-centric coaching philosophy. “She’s a player’s coach,” Clark commented in an interview with Pat Eaton-Robb of the Associated Press on March 31. “She’s not going to have a set offense that you have to run. She’s going to tailor everything to what she has on her team and what’s going to put her team in positions to be very successful.”

Caitlin Clark’s answer to personal question draws strong reaction from Fever coachParker Johnson

This tailored approach helped Clark thrive in her collegiate career, where she led the Hawkeyes in several exhilarating March Madness campaigns. She became the NCAA‘s all-time leading scorer on March 3 and was thrice named the Big Ten Player of the Year. Her exceptional performance at Iowa propelled her to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.

As the basketball community bids farewell to one of its most esteemed coaches, Clark’s tribute underscores the deep impact Bluder has had on her players and the sport. Her retirement is a well-earned respite following a career dedicated to excellence and development in women’s basketball.