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Caitlin Clark believes second trip to Final Four will eliminate distractions for Iowa

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•04/04/24•

BarkleyTruax

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Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Iowa has earned a trip to the Final Four for the second-straight year for the first time in program history. Falling just short of the national title one year ago — Hawkeye superstar Caitlin Clark is locked in more than ever ahead of their matchup against UConn.

Speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s blockbuster Final Four slate, Clark explained the difference in her mindset this go around compared to last year.

“I think being here last year, you’re not really prepared for everything that goes on outside of the game,” Clark said. “There’s so many distractions. There’s so many events you have to attend. There’s so many obligations that you have to do.

“And your main focus is to come here, and you’re playing in the biggest basketball games of your career. So I think being able to block all that out and really lock in and focus on what your job is and what you’re here for, and knowing we’re not satisfied. I think that’s the biggest thing is soak all that in and enjoy it. But at the same time, this is business. You know, we’re here to win a basketball game and hopefully win two.”

All season long, it was Final Four or bust for Clark and the Hawkeyes. Many feel as though Clark needs to win a title in college to solidify her status as the greatest college basketball player of all time. Heading to the WNBA Draft eight days following the Uconn matchup, this is her last chance to make one final mark on her legacy in Iowa City.

On the other hand, the pressure has been the same on Clark all season long. Every time she steps on the court, it’s in front of a sold out crowd that paid to see her. She’s risen to the occasion each time, and just because the lights are a little brighter in Cleveland this weekend — it doesn’t change the fact that Clark is the best player on the court at any given time.

However, the Huskies are no pushover. The matchup against Paige Bueckers has intrigued fans across the basketball world and some believe UConn even has the recipe to halt Clark in her tracks.

We’ll get all the answers when Iowa battles UConn at 9 p.m. ET on Friday night live on ESPN. The Hawkeyes are 2.5-point betting favorites heading into game day, per FanDuel Sportsbook.