Caitlin Clark, the sharp shooting guard of Iowa, has been making headlines in the college basketball world with her record-breaking performances. Her exceptional skills have garnered attention from sports enthusiasts and experts, with many touting her as the top overall selection in the upcoming WNBA Draft.

During a recent episode of ‘First Take’ on ESPN, host Molly Qerim weighed in on Clark’s prowess, suggesting that Iowa’s advantageous position in the Final Four matchup against UConn was due to the latter’s injury-plagued season. Qerim pointed out that UConn’s depleted roster, particularly with key players like Azzi Fudd and Aubrey Griffin sidelined, has impacted their performance.

Despite the setbacks, UConn’s star player Paige Bueckers has managed to shine throughout the season, earning accolades such as the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year. However, Bueckers has also faced her share of injury challenges, including ankle surgery and missed games in previous seasons.

Qerim further commented on Bueckers’ impact, suggesting that without her injury setbacks, the spotlight on Caitlin Clark may not have been as intense. The discussion surrounding the influence of injuries on players’ careers sparked debates among basketball enthusiasts and analysts.