Team USA HC calls Caitlin Clark ‘exceptional’ reversing earlier opinions ahead of WNBA clash

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark gets high praise from Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve and WNBA legend Maya Moore.

Team USA HC calls Caitlin Clark ‘exceptional’ reversing earlier opinions ahead of WNBA clash

WNBA and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was earlier disregarded by Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve

Since being snubbed for the Paris Olympics squad, Caitlin Clark has pushed her Indiana Fever to win 10 out of their last 15 games. Naturally, WNBA opponents noticed those performances. The Minnesota Lynx and Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve also paid attention to Clark.

Reeve and her team found out what happened the last time she disregarded the rookie. This time, it seems she decided to acknowledge what the rookie finally brings to the table. A reporter asked what about Clark’s game impressed her. The coach praised Clark for her pace and passing.

The single best thing that she does that young players don't do is she plays at an incredible pace. And pace can get you really really far. Pace and passing I think are her two greater things. I know the s*xier part's probably the logo 3, but pace and passing is what makes her exceptional.
Cheryl Reeve via media interview
YouTube video

Then, someone asked what she felt about the two headliners in tonight’s game – Lynx and WNBA legend Maya Moore and Caitlin Clark being in the same building. The coach had a hilarious answer.

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I wish one was playing for us, either one.
Cheryl Reeve via media interview

Maya Moore is long retired but could have still played in the league at 35. Meanwhile, Clark is just starting. The two are not an apples-to-apples comparison. Moore is one of the best to play in women’s basketball. In eight seasons, she won four titles, 7-time All-WNBA, and multiple other championships in college and abroad. If only she hadn’t lost focus on basketball, she would still be playing.

On the other hand, Caitlin Clark hasn’t accomplished anything close. So, it seems like either Cheryl Reeve is finally accepting the reality or trying not to rile up the Indiana Fever rookie. That last part did not work in her favor last time around.

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Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark gets praise from WNBA legend Maya Moore

Today was Maya Moore’s jersey retirement. Before the game, the legend was asked about meeting Caitlin Clark when she was a young girl. In a time when fans openly accused WNBA players of being jealous, Moore complimented Clark.

It’s really, really cool to think about how one of those little girls became Caitlin Clark. It just goes to show you, when you just do your best to be in the moment and treat people with kindness, and just be present when you can, really makes a big difference.
Maya Moore via media interview

Moore’s words essentially praise how humble and grounded Caitlin Clark has been. This comes despite knowing that the entire world is watching and following her. Maya Moore happens to be Caitlin Clark’s favorite player growing up.

Generally, when one has a player as an idol, they tend to imbibe much of what that player does. Not only on the court but also off it. That and her family background could be what has made Clark humble. Maybe even Moore’s former coach, Cheryl Reeve, saw that. A player with all the attention quietly breaking records, winning games, and simultaneously stopping to meet and greet all the fans that she possibly can.

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