Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson recently made some big claims about Caitlin Clark, and Clark has since responded. Wilson claimed race had played a major role in Clark’s popularity.
“I think it’s a huge thing,” the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP said. “I think a lot of people may say it’s not about black and white, but to me, it is. It really is because you can be top notch at what you are as a black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see.”
“They don’t see it as marketable, so it doesn’t matter how hard I work. It doesn’t matter what we all do as black women, we’re still going to be swept underneath the rug. That’s why it boils my blood when people say it’s not about race because it is.”
Clark was asked about Wilson’s comments after her WNBA debut on Tuesday night.
“I think there’s opportunities for every single player in women’s basketball. I think the more opportunities we can give across the board, that’s what’s going to elevate women’s basketball,” Clark said.
“It doesn’t need to be one or two players, and I think that even goes back to college. I think we can … the parity in women’s basketball is what’s making more people want to come and watch it. I think the more you spread the love, show people, show their talents, show their teams, that’s just going to continue to elevate it. So, I think that’s the biggest thing.”
The Fever guard had a mixed night in her first WNBA game, after going 4-11 from three and breaking the record for the most turnovers ever (ten) in a WNBA debut.
She finished with 20 points, three assists and two steals.