Caitlin Clark Shares Concerns Over Upcoming Time Off From Basketball
Caitlin Clark may be a phenom on the WNBA basketball court but is still human when it comes to her anxiety and emotions, something that she's afraid may be creeping up soon as the league prepares for a month-long break.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, the NCAA's all-time leading scorer expressed her concerns about the upcoming hiatus that won't have her or the Indiana Fever return to the WNBA court until Aug. 16, in part because the Olympics which Clark was not chosen to participate in.
CAITLIN CLARK AND THE FEVER WON'T PLAY UNTIL AUG. 16
"I told [Fever coach Christie Sides], I was like ‘It’s probably going to feel really weird. Like I'm probably going to be like, anxious that I'm not touching a basketball,' but I need to not [let that happen.]" Clark said.
Caitiln Clark will next play in Saturday's WNBA All-Star Game before the 3+ weeks off. Interestingly, she declined to participate in Friday's 3-point competition despite shooting 37.8% during her final NCAA season last year while also making 71 3-pointers this season with the Fever. Her plan is to play in Saturday's ASG and then take time off from all basketball activities. Meanwhile, 12 WNBA players will head to Paris to play in the Summer Olympics beginning July 29.
NO ONE CAN BLAME CLARK FOR BEING ANXIOUS
Clark hasn't had a legitimate break since the Iowa Hawkeyes started their season last October which went all the way until losing in the NCAA Women's Championship to South Carolina in April. Just days later, Clark would end up being selected by the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 draft pick in the WNBA Draft. Less than two weeks later, the Fever's training camp began and the rest as they say is history - something that Clark has without a doubt been a part of.
After setting the record for all-time points scorer in NCAA Division I basketball history, Clark has finally broken into the WNBA - much to the chagrin of players like Angel Reese as well as some other not-so-friendly players. On Wednesday Clark set the all-time WNBA single-game assists record with 19, while scoring at least 20 points and 13 or more assists in three of her last four games.
Clark's body may enjoy the upcoming three-to-four week rest period as she finally gives it a well-deserved rest. However, many athletes will tell you that once they start getting hot, the last thing they want to do is take time off. This may be what is harping on Clark's anxiety.
Clark told reporters that she will begin strength conditioning and some basketball work in the days leading up to the WNBA's mid-August return.
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