Caitlin Clark shares pros of decision to declare for WNBA Draft

Caitlin Clark’s reign in college basketball is coming to a close. On Thursday, the Iowa superstar announced she will be declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft. During a press conference on Friday, Clark explained the thought process behind her decision.

“It’s hard because there’s pros and cons both ways,” Clark said. “Just being excited about starting something new and starting a new chapter. Obviously, my focus is here. My goal is to win a national title. That’s plain and simple. That’s what I want to do.

“To be honest, I’m not really looking that far ahead into the WNBA and what’s gonna happen. All that will get panned out whenever our season ends and hopefully, that’s with a national title. That’s my main focus. I think that having this decision done is going to allow me to play my best basketball and that honestly was my main priority and I think that’s what led me to announce it when I did.”

There will be a lot of pros for whatever team reels in Clark in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The Iowa native is averaging 32.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. She averages the most points and assists in the nation.

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.

While Clark ultimately decided moving on was the correct decision, she wasn’t always sure.

“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.”

On Sunday afternoon, Caitlin Clark will have another opportunity to make history. She is only 18 points away from Maravich’s all-time NCAA scoring record. Clark will aim to surpass the LSU legend when Iowa faces off against Ohio State 1 p.m. ET on FOX.