HOT NEWS: Cheryl Supes gives a blunt message to Caitlin Clarke when she can’t stand her ground.

Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old rising star of the WNBA and Rookie of the Year, recently received surprising praise from one of her most vocal critics, Cheryl Swoopes. The four-time WNBA champion and three-time MVP had previously doubted Clark’s ability to dominate the professional league, especially after her record-breaking NCAA season. Swoopes had anticipated that Clark would struggle to adjust to the professional level. However, after witnessing Clark’s impressive debut season with the Indiana Fever, Swoopes admitted she had underestimated the young talent.

On the “Queens of Court” podcast, Swoopes acknowledged Clark’s exceptional skills, stating, “I just thought what Caitlyn was able to do coming into the League this season… it was just crazy. Her shooting ability and her playmaking are unbelievable.”

Clark’s rookie season stats speak for themselves: she averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. She also set several records, including single-season and single-game assist records, and became the first rookie to score at least 450 points and make over 200 assists. Clark’s historic achievements even placed her in the same conversation as NBA legends like LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Despite her individual brilliance, Clark has always emphasized her team-first mentality. She revealed in interviews that her focus is not just on scoring, but on setting her teammates up for success, highlighting her selflessness and leadership on the court. This balanced approach makes her not only a standout player but also a respected leader in her first professional season.

With her incredible rookie performance, Caitlin Clark has silenced her critics and solidified herself as one of the brightest stars in the WNBA. As Swoopes now acknowledges, Clark’s future in professional basketball looks incredibly promising.