Iowa Hawkeyes superstar college basketball player Caitlin Clark has already broken the record for most points ever scored in NCAA D1 women’s basketball history. Her feat has not gone unnoticed as the entire sporting world has come forward to praise her efforts. The exception to this was ESPN analyst Jay Williams who did not agree to her GOAT monicker. Now Hall Of Fame sportscaster and ESPN’s very own Dick Vitale has come to Clark’s defense.
Williams made headlines when he refused to give Clark the GOAT collegiate player status. His problem with bestowing Clark the GOAT title was behind the notion that she has not won an NCAA championship. Vitale had this to say about Jay Williams’ criticism:
Look I RESPECT the views of others but I do not think it is FAIR to eliminate someone that doesn’t win a championship. Championships r won by strong talented TEAMS. I always felt that WILT C & many others don’t get a fair shake. He didn’t play with a HOF roster ala the Celtics. Dick Vitale said
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.
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