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When Iowa star Caitlin Clark was drafted as the No.1 pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA draft on Monday, her departure from college basketball marked the end of an era, as she was primarily responsible for a boost in the NCAA women's game's popularity this season.
With Clark drafted comes the need to fill the void with a new superstar. This is what South Carolina coach Dawn Staley talked about on Tuesday on "Squawk on the Street."
"Caitlin Clark is a superstar," Staley said. "I credit her with raising the level. We're creating more eyeballs on our sport, and we need to thank her for that. A lot of people think I'm being facetious when I say that. I'm not. I'm all for the greater good of our game. If she's a big part of it, we need to find the next superstar that would take our game to the next level."
Staley's South Carolina defeated Iowa in the NCAA title game this season, dashing Clark's dream of winning Iowa's first national championship. After winning the game, Staley talked about how special Clark is for the sport and called her one of the GOATs of the game.
Caitlin Clark, indeed, had a GOAT-like 2023-24 season. She broke numerous records, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball. Her irreplaceable performance helped her win the Naismith and Wooden awards as the nation's best player for the second straight season.
Clark averaged 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game this season. She keyed their March Madness 2024 run, just as she did the previous season. Even in the final, she scored 30 points.
Clark also set the single-season records for the most points and 3-pointers and led the nation in points and assists. As a result, she was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, where she is expected to break many more records.
Who will be returning for Iowa in the next season?
After Caitlin Clark's departure, Hannah Stuelke is expected to lead Iowa in scoring next season. Another returning expected to get more time next season is Sydney Affolter. She will have the responsibility to score more points.
Sharon Goodman is another player who should be starting in 2024-25. Taylor McCabe will potentially be there for her amazing 3-pointers, while AJ Ediger will support in the frontcourt.
