How talented is Caitlin Clark of Iowa?

 

The Iowa women’s basketball team defeated Louisville 97-83 in the Elite Eight on Sunday night, securing a trip to its first Final Four in thirty years. Star point guard Caitlin Clark has played a significant role in the Hawkeyes’ success. In her three years on campus, the former five-star prospect has lived up to the promise and then some, becoming one of the biggest names in college athletics.

Clark’s stardom grew again on Sunday night with a 41-point, 10-rebound and 12-assist performance,it’s the first 40-point triple double in NCAA Tournament history (man or woman). She scored or assisted on 70 of Iowa’s 97 points, which is a tournament record for most points created by a player in one game. Within the course of the Sunday’s game, she became the first Division I player in history, man or woman, to record 900 points and 300 assists in a single season. Those are three more statistical accolades in an already lengthy list.

And there’s another one that’s pending, Clark needs just 18 more points to pass Iowa legend Megan Gustafson for the Big Ten record for points in a season (1,001).

More:Leistikow: Why Iowa’s Final Four-clinching victory was packed with emotion

She’s a three-time All-Big Ten and All-American selection with three Big Ten championships (two tournament, one regular season) and now a Final Four appearance under her belt. Her popularity has grown through eye-popping statistical performances and long-range shooting highlights. And with at least one more year of eligibility left, it’s sure to grow.