Caitlin Clark, the star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has been turning heads with her incredible scoring ability and record-breaking performances. However, what often goes unnoticed is her exceptional passing skills, which are a key component of Iowa’s success on the court.
Despite being hailed as the best scorer in college basketball history, Clark’s passing abilities are often overshadowed. Penn State coach Carolyn Kieger acknowledges Clark’s phenomenal vision and ability to see plays before they happen. She possesses the unique talent of thinking two steps ahead and always keeping her eyes up, looking for opportunities to set up her teammates before taking her own shot.
This selflessness and willingness to involve her teammates have propelled Iowa to the top of the national rankings in both scoring and assists. The team averages an impressive 92.8 points per game and 21.9 assists per game, with Clark leading the nation in both categories with 31.8 points and 8.9 assists per game.
Clark’s passing prowess is not limited to basic assists. She often delivers eye-catching full-court touchdown passes, behind-the-back gems, and laser-like passes through traffic. While these plays sometimes result in turnovers, Clark’s audacity and belief in her teammates’ abilities make her a dangerous facilitator on the court.
Coaches and opponents alike struggle to come up with a game plan to contain Clark. West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg acknowledges that forcing her to be either a scorer or a facilitator is a difficult task. Clark’s ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates adds a significant dimension to Iowa’s offense.
However, Clark’s passing skills were evident long before she became a college basketball star. In high school, her coach implemented a “one-plus” rule to allow Clark to showcase her behind-the-back passes without stifling her creativity. If she successfully completed one, she would earn the right to attempt another. Throughout her high school career, Clark never had to be told to stop, as her passes were consistently accurate and beneficial to her team.
As Clark’s career continues to soar, it is crucial to recognize her passing abilities as an integral part of Iowa’s success. While her scoring records and flashy plays may dominate the headlines, it is her exceptional vision, selflessness, and ability to involve her teammates that make her a true star on the court.
