WEST LAFAYETTE โ When Caitlin Clark made her first 3-point shot in her fifth and final matchup against Purdue women's basketball, a spinning spin and a momentary gasp from the crowd told the story of Mackey Arena. .
The excitement of Clarkmania captured the imagination of a sold-out house for women's basketball at Mackey Arena for the fourth time in history. Boys and girls alike wore Iowa jerseys with the number 22 on their backs and signed autographs. Clark attracted similar attention to the Beatles, especially in Indiana.
Before playing against UConn in the Final Four, Clark had now established himself as one of the greatest college athletes of all time. This includes being the greatest visiting women's basketball player to ever visit Mackey Arena.
Mackey Arena was the only college sports venue where Clark did not sink a 3-point shot until January 10, 2024.
And even after Clark recorded 18 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds for Purdue, her 15th career triple-double, it took a lot for her to be the biggest opponent the Boilermakers have ever faced. More persuasion was needed.
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The future was uncertain at that point. Clark didn't surpass Pistols Pete Maravich and Lynette Woodard for the most points in NCAA history by a man or woman, nor did she beat any of her LSU rivals in the NCAA Tournament.
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Her statistical history from this year's NCAA Tournament and signature wins over LSU and UConn in the Final Four semifinals on Saturday night erased any doubts about her mental and emotional state.
Clark is now one win away from having it all. Iowa defeated a loaded UConn that featured Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Edwards. Even though they struggled in the first half, the women's basketball community remained calm. But what awaits Clark and the Hawkeyes is No. 1 South Carolina and undefeated Cleveland on Sunday night.
She gutted LSU as Haley Van Lith and Angel Reese struggled to contain the Des Moines native.
With numerous major awards and countless personal accolades, he has captured the hearts of boys and girls across the country. Many of them dream of being like No. 22.
Clark's arrival will be a catalyst that lifts the WNBA to even greater heights. Her anticipation of joining the Indiana Fever has the entire state and nation buzzing. From South Bend to Evansville and everywhere in between, including the greater Lafayette area and all of the United States.
Clark has been baptized by both fans and her own contemporaries. When she was given the stage to be seen by millions, she changed her story and put a spotlight on the greatness of women's basketball.
Hindsight isn't just limited to sportswriters who don't tend to look too far into the future. It is important not to exaggerate what is being seen at that moment and to let emotion rule over logic.
Win or lose Sunday, Clark checked all the boxes. Sports are evaluated according to the situation. Not just in the championship, but in the eyes of the witnesses, the rivals, and the respect you get on and off the court.
It took Bird and Magic to take basketball to new heights in the 1980s. The 2020s gave us Caitlin Clark for the exact same purpose.
Ethan Hanson is a sports reporter for the Journal and Courier in Lafayette. You can contact him at:ehanson@gannett.comon Twitter Ethan Hansonand on Instagram ethan a hanson.