Caitlin Clark took care of business on Saturday as Iowa won its NCAA Tournament opener against the Holy Cross Crusaders. However, the Hawkeyes star went viral for an entirely different reason during the game.
Clark had a rather relatable moment (at least for parents) with her dad during the game, as the Clark patriarch seemed to be reprimanding her daughter for complaining too much.
Iowa Hawkeyes Star Caitlin Clark’s Dad Goes Viral
During the second quarter of the game, Clark was seemingly complaining to officials. The Hawkeyes sharpshooter didn’t have the best start in the game, and she was clearly frustrated by the officiating and how the game was turning out.
While Clark was complaining, though, the camera panned to her father Brent who was sitting courtside. Clark’s dad was seen telling his daughter to shut up and simply focus on the game.
Many parents were able to relate to the rather epic moment between the father-daughter duo, especially since it’s a genuine moment from a father simply wanting the best for his kid.
“Caitlin Clark complaining to the officials & her dad just telling her to shut up has me in tears man,” one commenter wrote.
Another one said, “Caitlin Clark’s dad is the official President of the girl’s basketball Dad club. Later he mouthed “Take her out, my gosh” when she was whining. So incredibly real.”
“Parenting never stops. Gotta love this moment with Caitlin Clark’s dad telling her to stop complaining to the officials,” a third supporter added.
After the game, Clark was asked about that moment with her dad. She pointed out that she was not talking with her father during the said moment, though she joked that he was probably agreeing with her.
“He was probably agreeing with me, you know him,” Clark said before laughing, per Hawk Central. “He definitely tells me to calm down sometimes. The best thing about my dad, he’s the most chill person. But when he played (college basketball), he was the same fiery, competitive person like I am. I love him to death. He’s always been my biggest fan.
“I think he knows how I’m wired more than anybody. … I think it shows what camera angles can do sometimes. They kind of create their own story.”
It’s certainly nice to see Clark’s awesome relationship with her dad. It’s clear her father has had a huge impact on her development as a player. At the end of the day, Clark knows that her dad only wants what’s best for her.
As for the game, Clark was more than able to make up for her slow start, finishing with 27 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists as they take the 91-65 victory. They next face West Virginia in the second round.
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