With Caitlin Clark getting ready to start her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever, many are speculating how her transition to the league will go.
Clark is without a doubt one of the most well-known basketball players in the world as she has helped elevate the women’s game to new heights. However, college basketball is very different from the WNBA, and just because Clark was awesome in college, that doesn’t mean she will be a superstar right away as a pro.
Recently, Lindsay Schnell of CBS Sports made some bold predictions regarding Clark as a pro. Here’s one of the things she had to say in regards to Clark winning the Rookie of the Year award.
“Los Angeles Sparks’ Rickea Jackson will be the 2024 Rookie of the Year,” Schnell wrote.
“The 6-foot-2 guard/forward has tremendous size to go along with her skillset, which means she’ll make an immediate impact,” Schnell said. “What’s more, the Sparks are in desperate need of some scoring — they lost their top two scorers in the offseason — and Jackson can provide that.”
Las Vegas sportsbooks currently have Caitlin Clark listed at -700 to win the ROTY award, and Vegas is very rarely that far off. While Clark will have a lot of pressure and eyes on her, she should be very comfortable with that weight on her shoulders from the last couple of years at Iowa.
While Schnell might not be sold on Clark’s scoring ability translating right away, she did praise Clark as a passer. As the leading scorer all-time in college, many will focus on Clark’s ability to put the ball in the basket with her unlimited range. However, Clark has also showcased an ability to be a great passer.
Depending on her usage rate and role with the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark could potentially lead the league in assists as a rookie. With Schnell praising Clark’s ability to pass heavily, it is surprising that she doesn’t believe that she will be the ROTY.
