Over a month ago, Diana Taurasi received backlash across social media for her statement on Caitlin Clark, claiming that there will be a clear adjustment period from the NCAA to the WNBA. This quote was largely taken out of context and was spread across mainstream media with the notion that Taurasi was taking a shot at Clark’s potential and skill set. Following Clark’s first career game against the Sun, it appears that Taurasi’s stance is right – for the time being.
In 32 minutes of action, Clark tallied 20 points and three assists. However, she shot 33% (5-15) from the field and turned the ball over 10 times in the process.
“Reality is coming, there’s levels to this thing,” said Taurasi in April on The Scott Van Pelt show. “And that’s just life, we all went through it. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time. Not saying that it’s not going to translate, because when you’re great at what you do, you’re just going to get better. But there is going to be a transition period, where you’re going to have to give yourself some grace as a rookie, and it might take a little bit longer for some people.”
“That’s the honesty of what it is,” said Van Pelt in response to Taurasi. “This is a profession – we got to eat, you’re not trying to take food off of my table.”
Taurasi’s statement about Clark taken out of context
Diana Taurasi © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Not once did Taurasi mention that she thought Clark wasn’t going to live up to her massive expectations, not once did she claim Clark was overrated. Adjustment periods are natural for any young athlete in any sport. Some take longer to develop than others and it’s safe to say that Clark was humbly welcomed to the WNBA on Tuesday.
Pro-level sports, such as the WNBA, have a far different feel than the collegiate level. The pace and tempo of the game is treated much differently, so naturally, a different poise and understanding has to be developed. For most, that’s not something that comes overnight – that’s something that comes with in-game reps and teachings from coaches and veterans.
In Clark’s debut, the composure and confidence was evident. However, the added physicality in the WNBA proved to be a challenge for Clark right away. The added size and speed of players in the WNBA poses a massive difference to that of the collegiate level. Clark needs to learn how to adjust to the speed and size of the WNBA, just like every other player who came before her.
“It’s kind of like when you go from kindergarten to first grade, there’s a learning adjustment,” said Taurasi. “When you go from high school to college, there’s a learning adjustment…Like anything – greatness is going to translate, and she’s proven that at every level – and I don’t see that being any different in the WNBA.”
Taurasi’s stance on Clark should be clear – she may not be ready right away, but there’s lots of room to grow for the 22-year-old. A statement like this shows the competitive edge that players at the next level have. The veterans around the league aren’t just going to let Clark waltz in and continue to dominate – they’re going to make her work for her reputation, the same way she did in college.
However, the world has yet to see Clark’s true ascension to the top of the WNBA. Taurasi recognizes how influential Clark has been to the sport of women’s basketball, and how she’ll continue to make waves throughout her career.
“I think it speaks to where we are in women’s sports, in women’s basketball,” said Taurasi. “The coverage, like anyone who loves the WNBA, we want that momentum to carry on to whatever team they’re on. You’re going to see that in Indiana, obviously with Caitlin [Clark]. Chicago with Angel [Reese], Cam [Brink] in LA, they’ve been able to tap into a different side of the media…It’s been incredible to see that momentum.”
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
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