As the excitement builds for Caitlin Clarkâs highly anticipated debut with the Indiana Fever, veteran WNBA star Brittney Griner has shared some candid advice for the college basketball phenom. Speaking to People magazine, Griner underscored the dramatic shift Clark is about to experience as she enters a league filled with seasoned professionals. Rather than sugarcoating the transition, Griner reminded Clarkâand the publicâthat the WNBA is no longer a proving ground for potential; it’s a fiercely competitive arena where athletes fight daily to secure their careers and support their families.
Grinerâs message to Clark was direct and grounded in the gritty reality of professional sports. âYouâre going up against grown women,â she warned, making it clear that the stakes in the WNBA are far higher than college ball. According to Griner, many players in the league arenât just playing for glory or personal fulfillmentâtheyâre competing for financial stability and long-term careers. The comment served as a powerful reminder that while Clarkâs talent is undeniable, her journey in the WNBA will demand resilience, adaptability, and a quick learning curve.
Drawing from her own experiences, Griner reflected on her rookie season after being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft. Despite her impressive college career, she admitted that her early days in the league were a struggle. The physicality and pace of the game required her to build strength and sharpen her focus. âI had to get stronger and lock in more,â she said, expressing empathy for what Clark is about to face. Though she anticipates some growing pains for the rookie, Griner expressed confidence that Clark has what it takes to adjust and eventually thrive in the league.
Interestingly, Griner also shared that she wasnât rooting for Clarkâs Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA tournament, particularly when they went up against South Carolinaâa team coached by her close friend, Dawn Staley. Despite this playful bias, Griner acknowledged Clarkâs undeniable skill and the impact her presence is expected to have on the WNBA. In fact, she noted that Clark, along with the other standout rookies from the 2024 draft, is generating a wave of excitement and attention that the league hasnât seen in years. âThe hype is amazing for the league,â she admitted, hinting at the potential for this new class of players to elevate womenâs basketball to new heights.
As Clark prepares to step onto the court for her first professional game against the Connecticut Sun, fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether she can carry over her historic college performance into the WNBA. Her journey from NCAA superstar to pro athlete will undoubtedly come with its share of challenges, but if Grinerâs words are any indication, it will also be an opportunity for growth, transformation, and perhaps even greatness. The spotlight is on Clark nowâand the entire basketball world is watching.
