Caitlin Clark has become the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and a star player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but she was not initially the most highly ranked player in her high school class. Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink were all ranked higher than her. Bueckers committed to UConn, while Reese and Brink chose Maryland and Stanford, respectively. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma explained that he did not recruit Clark because he had already committed to Bueckers early on. Despite Clark’s admiration for UConn, Auriemma suggested that she was not seriously considering the team and that both parties made the best decisions for themselves.
Auriemma further emphasized that recruiting decisions are made based on finding players who fit well with the team’s dynamics. He explained that he focuses on specific players early on and does not try to recruit all of the top players in each class. The Hawkeyes, the top-seeded team, lost the national championship to LSU last year but managed to get their revenge in the Elite Eight this year. On the other hand, UConn is a powerhouse in women’s basketball, with multiple Final Four appearances and national titles under their belt. The team is aiming for its 13th national championship and has not won since their fourpeat from 2013 to 2016.
Despite Clark’s success and UConn’s storied history, the two teams will face off in the Final Four. The matchup between Clark and Bueckers is highly anticipated, with both players bringing a wealth of skill and talent to the court. While Clark has thrived at Iowa, UConn has continued its dominance in women’s basketball, making for an exciting and competitive game. The Huskies, led by Auriemma, have been consistent contenders in the Final Four and will seek to add another championship to their impressive resume. The game is set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, and fans can follow along with Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for updates on the matchup.
