Molly Kerim made headlines Thursday when the host of ESPN’s “First Take” brought some heated opinions to the show.
Kerim, a college graduate, wondered if the hype around Caitlin Clark would have been as big if Huskies star Paige Backers hadn’t been plagued by so many injuries.
And she added that Iowa was “lucky” that UW had so many injuries heading into Friday’s Final Four game.
The comment drew the ire of Stephen A. Smith, who never misses an opportunity to voice his passionate opinion on ESPN’s show.
“All I have to say is she’s lucky that this university union team is not healthy. That’s a true statement,” Kerim said in a clip of the show that was played on X. Ta.
As the debate continues, the proud UW graduate has a new attack on his alma mater’s next opponent.
“If Paige Backers hadn’t basically missed two seasons, I don’t know if we’d be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are now. That’s a fact, Stephen A.,” she said.
It’s hard to argue that Bueckers’ injury issues affected her, but she quickly returned to stardom this season and became one of the main figures in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
UW has dealt with several injuries this season, including season-ending losses to Azi Fuad and Aubrey Griffin.
However, Clark’s historic 2023-24 season and performance in the NCAA Tournament helped lift women’s basketball to unprecedented heights.
Although Kerim’s views were not well received on social media, Written by user X“This is generational hate. Shame on you Molly.”
The UW-Iowa showdown will take place Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET, with the winner advancing to the national title game to face the winner of the South Carolina-North Carolina battle.
