South Carolina coach Dawn Staley believes that Iowa’s Caitlin Clark needs to win a championship in order to be considered in the conversation of the greatest of all time in women’s college basketball. Staley, who had a successful college career herself, stated that winning a championship is essential when discussing greatness. She reflects on her own career, where she reached three Final Fours and won two Player of the Year awards, but never secured a championship.
However, Clark disagrees with the championship-or-bust perspective, stating that she wants her legacy to be about more than just winning games and scoring points. She hopes that her impact on women’s basketball and the inspiration she provides to others will define her legacy. Clark feels that reducing her career to a single game or win is not a fair assessment of her accomplishments. Staley’s comments were influenced by UConn legend Breanna Stewart, who emphasized the importance of winning a championship in college basketball.
Despite the championship debate, Clark has already proven herself as one of the top players in women’s college basketball. She holds the record for career points in the NCAA and has received numerous Player of the Year awards and other accolades throughout her career. Clark acknowledges that being in the spotlight comes with criticism and differing opinions but chooses to focus on the support from her teammates and loved ones. She values their belief in her more than any external opinions.
Staley recognizes that if Clark leads Iowa to victory over her undefeated South Carolina team in the national championship game, she will solidify her place in the conversation of the greatest of all time. Staley acknowledges Clark’s talent and skill regardless of the outcome of the championship game. She emphasizes the importance of winning a championship in determining a player’s greatness, citing Stewart’s four NCAA titles as an example.
Ultimately, the debate over whether winning a championship is necessary to be considered a GOAT in women’s college basketball remains ongoing. While Staley believes that a championship is crucial in defining greatness, Clark emphasizes the broader impact and inspiration she hopes to leave behind. Regardless of the outcome, both Staley and Clark have left a significant mark on the game of women’s basketball and continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
