UConn’s Geno Auriemma, who coached against Caitlin Clark in the NCAA, including this year’s Final Four, says that while some of her challenges are typical rookie hazing, she is also singled out.
“Every rookie has to go through the growing pains of being a professional basketball player. And the more attention you get, and today’s world attention is No. 1 and attention brings money. So is she facing the rookie challenge, the rookie hardships that are inherent with being a rookie? Yes. She’s also being targeted,” Auriemma told the CT Insider.
“I don’t remember when (Michael) Jordan came into the league, guys looking to go out and beat him up. I don’t remember when (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson) came in the league and elevated the NBA, I don’t remember them getting targeted and getting beat up just because of who they were and the attention they we’re getting,” Auriemma said.
“And I’ve never heard one of them say, ‘Hey, why didn’t you do this when we were playing?’ Because nobody felt like it. It wasn’t the time. Appreciate the fact that now’s the time. I get it. I get it. It’s long overdue. Why are you blaming that kid? It’s not her fault because you would trade places with her in a minute, but you are not there. You’re not her. So, you’re (complaining) that she’s getting what she’s getting?”
UConn’s Geno Auriemma says Caitlin Clark is ‘being targeted’ by her fellow WNBA stars https://t.co/BhBV79COD6
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 5, 2024
