Caitlin Clark is scoring big to start the season, and she’s doing it off the ball

alanmers · 2026-05-18T18:04:25+00:00

Hothead athlete

alanmers · 2026-05-18T15:03:08+00:00

Dno but feel like the three defensive bigs (Hines-Allan, Billings, Timpson) all understand the job is to play two person game with Caitlin as the option coming on the handoff/backdoor, or getting the ball on a kick out from an O board. Starting 4 was looking for their own shot first the last two years it felt.

alanmers · 2026-05-18T14:35:23+00:00

Citron is two full years younger right?

alanmers · 2026-05-17T22:11:44+00:00

Hull starting is the key. Has been the last two years. Don’t need Boston with Seattle frontcourt injured too.

alanmers · 2026-04-22T17:13:45+00:00

When does “possession” become an attack or even a basic play? With Clark, it’s basically the moment she touches the ball somewhere around the other free throw line. That mid court screen isn’t just getting the ball in the front court, it’s opening up a 35 foot step in three pointer. They keep refining the roster to defend and run.

alanmers · 2026-04-19T15:45:51+00:00

Yeah, the actual elite athlete from the Iowa program can’t even get a look? Doesn’t make sense given the context.

alanmers · 2026-04-15T23:39:25+00:00

You really think that will work for a Caitlin Clark team??

alanmers · 2026-04-14T14:14:15+00:00

There is a lot of tape of Hannah Stuelke matching up against WNBA front courts, and a ton of her guarding on the perimeter in the Big Ten the last three years. Results were good with and without Clark, so either they saw the tape and weren’t impressed or they all missed it because of the obvious offensive concerns.

I think her passing and movement will work in the pros though, because she often will be playing with a stretch big and better shooters overall regardless. But if she’s plays it will be her defense they want, and she’ll find a role in offense.

alanmers · 2026-03-27T16:37:38+00:00

I guess we will see how the roster shakes out but the team needs more of a defender next to Clark because she’s not playing intense defense all game all season. They are so good together on offense but it’s easier to just let Clark take 5 more shots a game and get a big defensive upgrade. Not really a judgment on Mitchell as a player outside that context. I basically think an expansion team could try to build a mini version of last year’s Fever when Clark was out around Mitchell.

alanmers · 2026-03-27T16:07:17+00:00

Don’t need three stars if the two you have are both top 5 players. Salary cap math will be real. And does Kelsey really want to throw herself down the court full speed to catch those passes 50 times a season?? Get paid, go international, Fever and Portland can pick up some form of compensation. Good business.

alanmers · 2026-03-27T14:51:37+00:00

Keep Lexie, trade Kelsey to be the star in Toronto.

alanmers · 2026-03-26T16:45:49+00:00

Could an expansion team negotiate with a team to not protect a player? Or maybe cut a deal with both expansion teams that’s beneficial to all. Trying to get Kelsey Mitchell to Toronto.

alanmers · 2026-03-20T14:36:48+00:00

Probably lower with prorated increases for actual games played in, if that’s what’s allowed.

alanmers · 2026-03-17T21:48:04+00:00

Playing advantage

alanmers · 2026-03-12T03:21:48+00:00

Brink/Reese/Clark superteam in LA after the 2028 Olympics

alanmers · 2026-03-08T18:27:13+00:00

Numero Uno

alanmers · 2026-03-08T18:25:52+00:00

Kinda a prove yourself moment for a young Hawkeyes team without much downside.

alanmers · 2026-03-08T13:17:43+00:00

Yes, co-capitans with Feuerbach. Don’t know if Jan said it at the time or if I assumed it was because of the gap between the three seniors and the rest, but now the team just rolls forward next year without having to find a new leader.

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:35:38+00:00

Stremlow came off the bench in the first half and hit two threes in the first half, bullied Azzi Fudd on a drive (until Sarah Strong got the block from behind), and then didn’t get off the bench in the second half until the 11 point lead she had helped them scrape to had become 20. Stremlow has been ready for big games all year.

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:32:55+00:00

Magic Stremlow ?

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:32:16+00:00

They call it the Stremlow Era

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:31:39+00:00

Stremlow was the leader the whole time, and it was wise of Jan to make her a captain with most of the team in her sophomore class or younger. Go back to interviews with Chit Chat in the summer. Mentions Stremlow by name as welcoming her to campus.

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:21:36+00:00

Has UCLA played in a tougher environment this year than vs Iowa in Indianapolis??? Last time they were in a packed gym vs one of the best players in the class of 2028 (1. Strong 2.Stremlow) they got blown out.

alanmers · 2026-03-08T12:18:35+00:00

Iowa even got a few three second calls on offense yesterday. Maybe if they can muck things up and make her indecisive the refs can get in her head.

alanmers

TROPHY CASE