MINNEAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark will never forget winning the Big Ten championship three years in a row.
Now preparations begin for a tournament that everyone will remember.
One year after leading Iowa State to its first national championship appearance, college basketball’s most decorated player will finally pursue his most coveted accomplishment.
“It never gets old to cut down the net,” Clark said after Iowa’s overtime win over Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament title game. “We feel like we’ve done pretty well in that regard now. We’re hoping to have a few more here by late March.
“I think our group knows very well that the NCAA Tournament is the best postseason tournament in all of sports. If you don’t eat one night, your season is over in the blink of an eye. We’re only guaranteed one more game as a team, so we have to prepare every day as if it’s our last. I know this team will make it happen.”
Last year, Clark set NCAA Tournament records for most points (191 points) and most 3-pointers made (24), leading the University of Iowa to the Final Four as a No. 2 seed for the first time in 30 years.
This year, the Hawkeyes (29-4) look certain to earn the No. 1 seed for the first time in 31 years. Iowa State will host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament on the same campus, starting March 22 or 23.
“Honestly, I don’t think it really matters whether they give us the No. 1 seed or the No. 2 seed,” Clark said. “You’re more concerned about the draw. I feel like that’s more important. But that’s for the committee to decide. You have a say in it. No. You get what you get, and you better come out every night and be ready to fight.
“We just want to continue to enjoy each other and enjoy this moment. We know how long it takes and how difficult it is to get to the Final Four, but at the same time I also know how much fun it can be. So I think having that experience will definitely help us as well.”
