Caitlin Clark Selected No. 1 Overall by Indiana Fever in WNBA Draft

In a move long anticipated by fans and analysts alike, the Indiana Fever made it official by selecting Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft held in New York on Monday night. Clark, a standout player from the University of Iowa, now holds the distinction of being the first Hawkeyes player, male or female, to be chosen as the top pick in the draft.

Record-Breaking Career

Clark’s selection comes as no surprise considering her remarkable collegiate career. The two-time national player of the year set numerous records during her time at Iowa, culminating in leading her team to consecutive appearances in the national championship game. Despite falling short in the title game against South Carolina, Clark’s impact on the court was undeniable. She became the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, surpassed the record for most career NCAA tournament points, and set a new mark for most 3-pointers in a single season in Division I basketball.

Changing the Game

Beyond her statistical achievements, Clark’s influence transcended the court. Her captivating style of play and stellar performances drew unprecedented attention to women’s basketball, resulting in record viewership numbers for televised games. The national championship showdown between Iowa and South Carolina attracted a record-breaking 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched basketball game since 2019.

Transition to the Pros

With her collegiate career behind her, Clark now sets her sights on the WNBA. Joining the Indiana Fever presents her with the opportunity to make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s resurgence. Tasked with helping the Fever return to playoff contention, Clark will look to build on her collegiate success alongside former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston, promising an exciting duo for fans to watch.

First-Round Picks in the WNBA Draft

Following Clark’s selection, here’s a rundown of the first-round picks:

1. Indiana Fever | Caitlin Clark, Iowa
2. Los Angeles Sparks | Cameron Brink, Stanford
3. Chicago Sky | Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina
4. Los Angeles Sparks | Rickea Jackson, Tennessee
5. Dallas Wings | Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State
6. Washington Mystics | Aaliyah Edwards, UConn
7. Chicago Sky | Angel Reese, LSU
8. Minnesota Lynx | Alissa Pili, Utah
9. Dallas Wings | Carla Leite, France
10. Connecticut Sun | Leïla Lacan, France
11. New York Liberty | Marquesha Davis, Ole Miss
12. Atlanta Dream | Nyadiew Puoch, Australia

Iowa’s Kate Martin Drafted by Las Vegas Aces

In addition to Caitlin Clark, another Iowa standout found herself selected in the draft. Kate Martin, Clark’s teammate, was chosen by the Las Vegas Aces with the No. 18 overall pick. Martin’s selection marks the first time since 1998 that the Hawkeyes have had two players drafted in the same WNBA Draft.

A key contributor to Iowa’s success, Martin overcame adversity, including a season-ending injury, to become an integral part of the team. Her dedication and talent earned her a spot in the professional ranks, where she looks forward to making her mark on the court.