Four-time WNBA champion and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes seemed to spark a media storm a few months ago when she made some comments about Caitlin Clark.
Swoopes was a guest on the “Gil's Arena” podcast, co-hosted by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, last October. At the time, it was increasingly likely that Clark could surpass Kelsey Plum's all-time NCAA women's basketball scoring record at some point during the 2023-24 season.
During the conversation with Arenas, Swoopes claimed that Clark had already used up an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, implying that the Iowa star benefited from playing “extra” games during his pursuit of the record. The claim was later proven to be inaccurate.
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Texas Tech alumna Sheryl Swoopes attends Alumni Weekend at Texas Tech's game against Baylor on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at United Supermarkets Arena. (Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal/RED USA TODAY)
Swoopes also made inaccurate statements about Clark's age, suggesting that he was 25 years old and competing against college basketball players who were closer to 20 years old. Swoopes also stated that Clark attempted an average of 40 shots each game.
ESPN ANALYST DOESN'T THINK CAITLIN CLARK IS 'GREAT' YET FOR ONE REASON
Clark hit a three-pointer from the half-court logo during the Hawkeyes' home game against Michigan on February 15 to surpass Plum's record and become the NCAA's all-time leading women's scorer. She finished the game with 49 points, which set Iowa's single-game scoring mark.
Shortly after Clark took first place on the scoring list, Swoopes revealed that LSU star Angel Reese facilitated a conversation between her and the Iowa star.
“Honestly, a couple of weeks ago I reached out to Angel (Reese) and had a really good conversation with Angel on the phone and sent Caitlin a message,” Swoopes said on Feb. 18 during the Baylor-Texas telecast. He plays technological basketball.
“And she responded. She and I went back and forth. I won't share what she said, I'll leave it up to her if she wants to share it.”
Caitlin Clark, number 22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, celebrates after breaking the all-time NCAA women's scoring record during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 15, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images))
Swoopes characterized his previous comments about Clark as a “mistake” and praised the Hawkeyes star for her contributions to women's basketball.
“But I will say what I told him was that I made a mistake saying it was his fifth year when it's his fourth,” Swoopes said. “I have nothing but respect for what she's done for the game. And, you know, if she wants to share what her response was and what that conversation was like, I'll leave that up to her. But it was a really good conversation.
“However, when you look at this roster, there is some talent on this roster,” Swoopes added as the broadcast showed a list of players Clark passed by en route to becoming the leading scorer.
“But for sure, Caitlin Clark, what she, not just what she did in that game to break the record, but what she continues to do every day for women's basketball, is worthy of praise and congratulations on setting that new record.”
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark, number 22, listens as the crowd applauds after breaking the all-time NCAA women's scoring record during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on March 15. February 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
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Last week's win over the Wolverines improved the Hawkeyes' record to 23-3 on the season. Clark and the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes travel to Bloomington later this week for a showdown with Indiana.
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