Caitlin Clark explains why she chose now to declare for WNBA Draft

On Thursday, Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark announced she will declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft after the season ends. In a press conference on Friday, Clark explained the rationale behind her decision.

“Going into senior night, having that decision clear not only for myself, but for the fans, my teammates, I think that was super important,” Clark said. “Getting the weight of the world off my shoulders, and being able to enjoy this last month with my teammates, I think is the biggest thing.”

Iowa only has one regular-season game left on the schedule. Clark hasn’t allowed her senior season to go to waste. She’s averaging 32.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.

Additionally, Clark is closing in on the Division I all-time record held by “Pistol” Pete Maravich. He scored 3,667 points in three years for LSU from 1968-70. Clark already shattered Kelsey Plum’s women’s basketball scoring record earlier this year.

Despite outside noise and “one more year” chants, Clark admitted her mind has been made up for a while regarding her future.

“I’ve gone honestly back and forth a little bit, especially early in the year,” Clark said. “I think as the season played out, it became more clear to me. I know I said at the beginning of the year I definitely just kind of feel in my gut and know in my gut. And I think that’s exactly what happened.

“I think I’ve known for a little while, honestly. I’ve had quite a few conversations with our coaching staff, and they were always very supportive in trying to help me understand both sides and see both sides, so I think especially over the last couple weeks, my decision has become more clear.”

Iowa currently boasts a 25-4 record and the No. 6 spot in the AP Top 25. The Hawkeyes will be the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, trailing only Ohio State. With the heavy decision out of the way, Caitlin Clark feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

“Any time you make a big decision and you’re confident in it, that’s just kind of what happens,” Clark said. “That’s my biggest focus going into the rest of the year. It’s just smile, have fun, play free. After this game this weekend, we’re really only guaranteed two games. So I think it’s just enjoying every single second and playing and having fun.”