Caitlin Clark praises Diana Taurasi: ‘She’s one of the greatest players our game has ever seen’

Following her being drafted as the No. 1 pick this past April, Clark is regarded as the next face of women’s basketball. She has been swarmed by a massive amount of media attention as her name has garnered millions of views since her time in college at Iowa.

But even with her becoming a household name, Clark credited Taurasi for setting an example for younger players like her and loves the way she has carried herself throughout the years.

“She’s done everything she’s needed to do to continue to play at such a high level,” Clark said. “I think about it as [this is] my rookie, it’s incredible to think she’s been in this league for 20 years, that’s just super cool. It’s a feat that not many people will ever accomplish in their career but for her to do that and continue to do that at a high level, I don’t think there is going to be many people to be able do it like her.”

Starting in all 17 games this season at 42 years old, Taurasi has shown no signs of slowing down, averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Her tenacity to shoot threes and drive to the basket, demonstrating leadership and ability to effectively communicate has seen the Mercury near the midway part of the season in a playoff spot at 9-8.

Demonstrating her love of the sport and instilling her will to win no matter what, Taurasi’s drive to succeed is something Clark watches from afar and appreciates.

“I think just the fire and the passion that she plays with, I admire that,” Clark said. “She’s a competitor. The way that she has been able to play this game at the highest level for as many years as she has, it’s pretty incredible.

The Fever take on the Mercury on Sunday at noon PT inside Footprint Center.