Hall of Fame sportscaster comes to Caitlin Clark’s defense after Jay Williams excluded superstar from ‘GOAT’ debate

Vitale referenced basketball greats such as Wilt Chamberlain and others. They have not achieved the GOAT status as they were up against teams with championship-winning rosters with multiple Hall of Fame superstars.

Comparing the two diminishes what Clark and Chamberlain have done during their time. Chamberlain went up against Bill Russell and a Boston Celtics team full of Hall of Fame players. But still, he is considered one of the best to ever play the game.

Dick Vitale believes the likes of Angel Reese have won an NCAA title as she had a championship team. Unlike in Clark’s case, where she is the only superstar single-handedly leading the team to the Finals last year. Jay Williams cannot use the championship excuse to exclude Clark’s GOAT status.

Does Caitlin Clark need a championship to attain GOAT status?

After breaking the women’s scoring record in NCAA D1 history, Caitlin Clark is on her way to breaking the all-time scoring record irrespective of gender. She is currently 18 points away from breaking that record and she could accomplish it in the final regular season game on Sunday. If that is not enough, Clark is already in the top 5 of most assists ever.

Clark came closest to an NCAA Tournament victory last season. She single-handedly led her team to the finals but ended up losing to Reese and her LSU Tigers. This season, the top teams in the Women’s D1 category will make it even more difficult for Clark to win it all. The story could repeat to next season which will be her last if she opts to stay in college. Maybe she could get her championship in the WNBA.

Dick Vitale’s opinion holds water as winning a championship is something that requires a team effort. What Caitlin Clark has accomplished on an individual level should not be diminished due to that.