Earvin “Magic” Johnson offered huge praise of Iowa guard Caitlin Clark on Tuesday, declaring her the second best player in the history of women’s college basketball.
His claim — while bold — isn’t a stretch. Look to Clark’s historic Elite 8 performance against Louisville for proof. She became the first player in NCAA Tournament history to record a 40-point triple double in the Hawkeyes 97-83 win over the Cardinals.
She finished the game with 41 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
The two things her resume is missing — an NCAA title and an Associated Press Player of the Year honor — could be added soon.
Clark and the Hawkeyes play No. 1 overall seed and undefeated South Carolina in the Final Four with a spot in the national title game on the line.
Per Oddschecker, the Gamecocks are an 11.5-point favorite.
While a national title this year is in doubt, winning national player of the year honors is more of a sure thing for Clark. LSU’s Angel Reese would be the favorite many of other years but Clark’s 2022-23 season has been one of the ages.
She’s averaging 27.3 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds this season. Clark could quit college basketball after the tournament and have her place among the all-time greats secured.
The scary thing for the rest of the NCAA is Clark has two years of eligibility remaining and due to WNBA draft requirements, is guaranteed at least one more year at Iowa.
She might be viewed as second-best now, but Clark has plenty of time to raise up Johnson’s leaderboard.
