Caitlin Clark Mock Draft

Caitlin Clark Mock Draft

Caitlin Clark is on track for a record-breaking season and an epic trip to the Final Four. Her captivating play and ability to draw fans from across America have cemented her status as an overnight sensation.

Clark is the team leader in scoring, averaging 26.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, she's an impressive presence on defense as well.

1. Her ability to score

Caitlin Clark is known for her smooth three-point shooting, but Caitlin Clark is also one of the nation's premier passers. Her knack for finding open teammates has earned her the title as leader in assists per game. Plus, Clark has an eye-popping 60% two-point percentage while picking out open teammates who can run down the floor and take advantage of her size and length to score easily.

Clark has scored an amazing 1,011 points in 40 games this year - the fastest women's player to do so in NCAA history! She's now averaging 25.5 points and 8.1 assists per game, becoming the only woman to record back-to-back 30-point triple doubles and is a contender for national player of the year award.

Her performance has helped Iowa win six of seven games against top 10 teams and move to second in the Big Ten behind South Carolina. She has already led her team to the second round of the NCAA tournament and looks set for her second Big Ten title.

She has the unique ability to hit long 3-pointers from anywhere on the court, delighting fans both inside and outside. It's a testament to her passion for the game that helps boost women's hoops as an entity.

On Wednesday, she scored her 2,000th point against Dartmouth Beavers to tie Washington Mystics Elena Delle Donne for the most collegiate points by any female player in history.

Her stats this season have been remarkable, and she continues to improve. With a chance of surpassing 3,000 points before the end of the year, and on track for more than 5,000 in four years at Iowa, the future looks bright for this star athlete.

If she decides to pursue a collegiate career beyond graduation, she may use her COVID year of eligibility. She has not yet declared for the WNBA draft and likely won't make that decision until after her junior season.

2. Her playmaking

Have you ever watched Clark play basketball, then you know she can do it all. She scores, passes and shoots with finesse and precision - and her length allows her to make clever use of passing windows to find open teammates. Clark uses a variety of approaches when finding these people: from lob passes over defenders' heads to bullet passes in the corner. She always manages to find someone open!

She also has the unique ability to find open teammates by shooting from outside the paint, and she's been extremely successful at it. Her two-point shooting percentage of more than 30% is an incredible feat for any guard.

Defenses are always on the lookout for her shooting range, which can be used from anywhere on the court. Her ability to hit 3s from 31 feet or farther is an impressive aspect of her game and shares many similarities with Steph Curry's.

No matter if she's driving hard to the rim or hitting an off-the-dribble jumper, she is always in position for a three. Additionally, she is an impressive finisher on the glass; averaging double-doubles every week. Furthermore, her free throw range is remarkable.

Her size, athleticism and versatility allow her to defend any perimeter with ease. Additionally, she's an excellent passer who can attack from any angle while setting screens with ease. It all comes together for her as a formidable combination.

She can throw an over-the-head lob pass for an easy layup or dribble full speed down the floor to the rim. Additionally, she is capable of pulling up 3-pointers from far distances that would normally be considered desperation by most players, but with her range she's able to hit them with ease.

She's an outstanding player who will make a major impact during her senior year at Iowa. She is on track to break Kelsey Plum's NCAA Division I record for most points scored and could become the all-time leader in three-pointers made if she stays with the Hawkeyes another season. Her playmaking has also been one of the primary reasons Iowa has been one of the top teams this year; she doesn't seem to get intimidated by pressure and consistently produces impressive numbers under duress.

3. Her defensive rating

Caitlin Clark has quickly earned the respect and admiration of college basketball fans across America with her thrilling performances and long-range shooting highlights. Fans are enchanted by Caitlin's brilliance on court.

She is the Big Ten Player of the Year and a finalist for national player of the year. She dominates both ends of the floor, scoring 25.5 points and dishing out 8.1 assists per game. She poses an intimidating presence in both paint and on wings alike.

Clark's versatility in the Big Ten is unsurpassed. Her powerful dribble-drives and quick moves to the basket can take over games, while her shooting touch draws defenders away from her goal. Clark can lob the ball, shoot it high over an opponent's head for a layup or dunk, or float the shot for added effect.

Her court vision is impressive, too; she can pinpoint open teammates with her lobs or bullet passes. Her ability to make the right play when the ball is in her hands is unmatched in women's college basketball. As leader of the conference in assists and attempter of 7.1 free throws a game, she could easily be named player of the year.

With her size and length, she can lock up opponents at the point of attack to slow them down in the running game. Additionally, she is capable of playing both down defensive ends in a 4-3 scheme to provide extra reinforcements on defense.

Many players in the draft may be evaluated based on athleticism or shooting ability, but Clark is an exceptional defensive player who can do it all. She possess all of the size, strength and athleticism to sack quarterbacks or make tackles in the run game while also locking up opposing point guards.

If she is selected, she would be an ideal pick for an NBA team looking to develop its young wing core. She needs to improve as an athlete and shooter, but should have no trouble honing her defense as well.

4. Her versatility

Clark is one of college basketball's most captivating players, and she's already had several highlight-reel moments this season. She's being compared to Steph Curry - arguably the best player in the NBA right now - which only adds to Clark's already illustrious resume.

Clark boasts an extraordinary combination of talent and personality that make her a star. Additionally, she's an impressive athlete who can score on all three levels, which is truly remarkable in women's basketball.

She's an excellent passer, too, and her ability to engage her teammates is something admired by both her coach and other players on the court. "She's a point guard who always helps make her teammates better by placing them in ideal shooting positions," Penicheiro said of Shelton.

Her versatility has been a major reason for the Iowa Hawkeyes' success this season, playing an integral role in their Big Ten championship run and NCAA tournament appearance.

With one more year remaining on her college contract, she could potentially surpass Kelsey Plum's career points record and become the leading three-point shooter among women in NCAA history. Additionally, she's shooting more than 50% from the field this year.

The 6-foot-2 junior has enough presence in the paint to defend her own shot, yet she's equally adept at driving the lane and creating turnovers. That ability shines brightest when she involves her teammates early in the game.

Aside from her scoring and playmaking prowess, she's an impressive rebounder with over 1,000 points this year. Additionally, she is a solid shot blocker who effectively limits opponents' drives towards the basket.

Though she may not shoot as well as some of the top players in the country, she has a knack for creating shots and scoring at an impressive rate. Her 108 threes this season are tied for first in the country, and she's averaging more than 20 points on those shots.