Caitlin Clark Comes Back to Iowa, Angel Reese to LSU in WNBA Preseason
Caitlin Clark Returns to Iowa: A Star’s Journey Continues
Caitlin Clark’s Historic College Career
Caitlin Clark is widely regarded as one of the best players in college basketball history. Since stepping onto the University of Iowa’s campus, Clark has redefined what it means to be a point guard in women’s college basketball. Her combination of long-range shooting, vision, and playmaking ability made her an immediate sensation.
Clark’s breakout year came during her sophomore season when she led Iowa to the NCAA Final Four and set numerous records along the way. Her performance was exceptional, averaging 27.8 points per game in 2023, solidifying her as one of the most dominant players in the sport. Beyond her scoring, Clark is known for her remarkable ability to create plays and lead her team on both ends of the floor. With her passing and court awareness, she helped transform Iowa into one of the most feared teams in women’s college basketball.
Returning for Another Year
Caitlin Clark’s decision to return to Iowa for her senior year is nothing short of monumental. After a season that saw her win multiple Player of the Year awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year, Clark could have entered the 2024 WNBA Draft as a top pick. However, her desire to continue her legacy at Iowa and contribute to the growth of women’s college basketball helped her make the decision to stay.
Her return was met with overwhelming excitement from fans and pundits alike. Clark’s presence in college basketball has brought more attention to the women’s game, and her return means that Iowa will likely remain a powerhouse in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Her decision also reflects the evolving landscape of women’s basketball, where players are beginning to have more control over their careers and their decisions.
Clark’s decision to stay at Iowa also provides her with an opportunity to solidify her legacy. While she has already made history, another season in college could allow her to break more records, such as surpassing the all-time points leader for Iowa and potentially setting new national records for three-point shooting.
What Caitlin Clark Brings to the WNBA Preseason
As one of the most anticipated prospects for the 2025 WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark’s presence in the WNBA preseason is highly awaited. While she is still finishing her college career, her performances during the NCAA tournament and throughout her college career have shown the skills that will make her a game-changer in the professional league. Her long-range shooting is perhaps the most impressive skill she possesses. Clark has consistently been able to make shots from anywhere on the court, often hitting from deep beyond the three-point line.
Her high basketball IQ will allow her to adapt quickly to the WNBA’s pace and style. While her scoring ability will undoubtedly be a major asset, her playmaking will be crucial in the WNBA’s more structured and athletic environment. Teams in the WNBA are known for their intense defense and physical play, so Clark’s ability to thrive in the open floor and manage the half-court offense will be tested at the next level.
Moreover, Clark’s leadership qualities will allow her to step into a leadership role on whichever WNBA team drafts her. Iowa’s success during her tenure can be attributed to her leadership and her ability to elevate the players around her. If she can transfer that skill set into the professional arena, she will immediately make a difference.
Angel Reese: From LSU to the WNBA
Angel Reese’s Rise to Stardom
Angel Reese’s journey to becoming one of the best players in women’s college basketball was equally remarkable. After transferring to LSU from the University of Maryland, Reese quickly established herself as one of the top players in the nation, helping LSU secure a national championship in 2023. Reese’s combination of size, athleticism, and versatility made her a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor.
Her performance in the 2023 NCAA tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. Reese was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Women’s Final Four after leading LSU to their first national title since 2014. Throughout the tournament, Reese averaged a double-double, showing off her ability to dominate the paint, grab rebounds, and score efficiently. Her performances cemented her place as one of the best players in the country and generated buzz around her future in the WNBA.
Reese is a versatile forward who can play both inside and outside, making her a valuable asset to any WNBA team. Standing at 6’3″ with a powerful frame, she is known for her rebounding and defensive prowess. Her ability to dominate in the paint, combined with her offensive skills, makes her one of the most well-rounded players in the 2024 WNBA Draft class.
Transition to the WNBA
Reese’s decision to enter the WNBA Draft was expected after her dominant college career. Her skill set was a perfect fit for the professional league, where her rebounding ability, scoring, and defense will be in high demand. Reese is a player who can impact the game in multiple ways, whether it’s by securing an offensive rebound, blocking a shot, or finishing a fast-break layup. Her basketball IQ and awareness of the game, combined with her athleticism, will give her a significant advantage when transitioning to the professional ranks.
During the 2024 WNBA preseason, Reese will have the opportunity to showcase her versatility on a larger stage. Teams are looking for players who can contribute right away, and Reese’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes her one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
While Reese’s offensive game is already strong, one of the areas where she will continue to develop in the WNBA is her perimeter shooting. If she can add a more consistent outside shot to her arsenal, she could become a dynamic two-way player in the mold of some of the WNBA’s top forwards.
The WNBA Preseason: A Look at What’s to Come
As both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese look toward the future in the WNBA, their respective journeys represent the changing landscape of women’s basketball. For years, players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings have been icons of the league. Now, the next generation of superstars—led by Clark and Reese—are poised to carry the torch.
The 2025 WNBA Draft is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, thanks to the talent of players like Clark and Reese. These players have the potential to immediately make an impact in the league and continue to elevate the profile of women’s professional basketball.
In the preseason, all eyes will be on how these rookies adapt to the professional game. The WNBA’s preseason offers an early look at how players transition from the college game to the pros, with some players using it as an opportunity to adjust to the faster pace and physicality of the league. Both Clark and Reese will be tested in ways they’ve never experienced before, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to the challenge.
Caitlin Clark’s Transition to the WNBA
For Caitlin Clark, the preseason will be a chance to prove that she can make the leap from college to the pros with ease. Her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates will be under the microscope. WNBA teams will be eager to see if Clark’s elite three-point shooting can translate to the professional level, where defenses are more aggressive and the competition is fiercer. Her transition to a more structured offense will also be a key factor in her success, as she will need to adapt to the more team-oriented approach of the WNBA, especially when playing alongside other high-level players.
Angel Reese’s Preseason Evaluation
For Angel Reese, the preseason will be an opportunity to prove she can contribute immediately as a versatile forward. Reese’s strong physical presence and elite rebounding skills will be valuable assets, but it will be her ability to expand her offensive game that could make her a true star in the WNBA. If Reese can develop her perimeter shooting and continue to refine her footwork in the post, she could become one of the league’s premier players. Her defense, particularly her ability to guard multiple positions, will also be something that teams will closely monitor.
