Diana Taurasi calls out ‘sensitive’ fans over Caitlin Clark comments

April 30, 2024

Diana Taurasi has spoken out about the WNBA’s “New Fans” class after questioning the 2024 rookie class featuring former Iowa State superstar Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 overall pick in this month’s draft. ” sent a message.

The Phoenix Mercury star, 41, was asked about his previous comments at training camp this week – earlier this month he said the 22-year-old would go through a learning curve at the professional level – and said he regretted his analysis. I explained that there was no.

“New fans these days are really sensitive, so I can’t say anything.” Taurasi said. “It’s like there’s a learning adjustment from kindergarten as she moves up to first grade, and then there’s a learning adjustment as she goes from high school to college.

“It always makes me feel good to have a Husky in the building.”

Diana Taurasi talks about her past and present Mercury teammates at her alma mater, UConn.

“New fans these days are really sensitive.”

To Taurasi @jeffmetcalfe About people angry at Caitlin Clark’s view of her conformity #WNBA pic.twitter.com/mUd7uvEGXt

— Dana (@iam_DanaScott) April 28, 2024

“I don’t think I said anything different from the truth. Like anything, greatness translates. And she’s proven that at every level, and I don’t think that’s any different in the WNBA. Looking.”

Taurasi talked about the star-studded rookie class (which also included Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, who were drafted by the Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks, respectively) during an appearance on “SportsCenter” after the University of Iowa defeated UW. ) and faced criticism. NCAA Women’s Final Four on April 5th.

“Look, Senior Vice President, reality is coming.” Taurasi told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.. “There’s a level to this. And that’s just what life is. We’ve all been through it. You’ll see it on the NBA side, and you’ll see it on this side as well, playing superhuman against 18-year-olds. It will be, but there will also be adult women who have played professional basketball for a long time.

“I’m not saying it won’t result, because if you’re good at what you’re doing, you’ll get even better. But as a rookie you have to give yourself some grace in the transition. There will be a period. It may take a little longer for some people.

Taurasi did not specifically mention Clark by name, but Van Pelt posed the question as such, saying: [Cardoso of the Chicago Sky] is coming, Caitlin is coming too, what will the League have in store for them when they get there? ”

Clark’s impact on college basketball and the women’s game is undeniable.

Her presence helped Iowa State and its opponents break attendance records and television ratings for college games.

Fans have yet to see how Clark’s game translates to the professional level, but her celebrity is helping the league sell tickets.

Some WNBA teams have increased ticket prices for games against Indiana. According to Front Office Sports.

Several teams, including the Aces and Mystics, moved arenas to accommodate fans when they played Clark and the Fever.

Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2009 league MVP and 10-time All-Star, is entering his 20th season.

Fans went wild on social media about Taurasi and Clark’s apparent rivalry.

Earlier this month, Mercury Promoted the flyer on social media The matchup against the Fever, scheduled for June 30th, featured a silhouette similar to Clark wearing a jersey with his college number, No. 22.

The image features Taurasi and Clark, the NCAA’s all-time Division I men’s and women’s leading scorers, and is captioned, “The Goat vs. The Rook.”