Caitlin Clark receives standing ovation at Pacers game as new Indiana Fever star is introduced to crowd ahead of Bucks playoff clash in a RACECAR
New Fever star Caitlin Clark received a heroes’ welcome in Indiana Friday night after attending the Pacers’ NBA playoff game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Clark, the college basketball sensation selected by Indiana with the top pick in this month’s WNBA draft, visited Gainbridge Fieldhouse to watch her men’s counterparts take on Milwaukee in Game 3 of their battle of the first round of the playoffs.
The 22-year-old appeared on the field in a Pacers race car before the start of Friday’s game, even revving the engine while waving to the home crowd.
Last season, the team started a new tradition that sees a special guest take the wheel of a custom-designed IndyCar before Pacers games, with Clark being the latest high-profile figure to do so.
Caitlin Clark received a hero’s welcome at the Pacers vs Bucks game in Indiana on Friday
Clark, who was selected by the Indiana Fever with the first pick in this year’s WNBA draft, stood up in a race car while waving to the crowd.
Earlier this month, she was selected by Indiana with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, weeks after signing off her illustrious college career with a loss in the NCAA championship game for the ‘Iowa.
The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer failed to inspire the Hawkeyes to a victory over South Carolina, meaning she said goodbye to college basketball on a sad note.
However, after breaking record after record in Iowa, she is now focused on replicating that success in the big leagues with the Fever.
She said after being chosen by Indiana: “It’s super special. Sitting at the table, sort of knowing where I was going, you still get a little anxious when the commissioner comes out and says your name.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was in second grade. Being at the table with my family was amazing and sharing that with them was super special.
Asked about the pressure placed on her over the past month as she guided Iowa to the NCAA championship game before the draft, she added: “Honestly, I feel like it’s just something that goes with it.
The Fever got one of the greatest college basketball players of all time in Clark
The 22-year-old has broken record after record during her illustrious college career at Iowa.
“I don’t feel a lot of things. It just came from the way I behaved and went about my business each day.
“That’s what I try to do the most, but at the same time, I always remember that it’s a team sport. I have a lot of people to count on and outside of basketball, I know I can count on my friends and family to be there and support me.
“Sometimes you can really feel the weight of the world on your shoulders but, more than anything, for me it’s fun, it’s a game, you just have to enjoy it.” Like, how lucky am I?
