What stands out to Kirk Ferentz about Caitlin Clark's basketball stardom

John Steppe

Mar. 27, 2024 10:37 am, Updated: Mar. 27, 2024 12:42 pm

IOWA CITY — Before discussing quarterbacks, offseason changes or Iowa football's 15 spring practices, Kirk Ferentz went out of his way to mention that it's been "so much fun to watch" Iowa women's basketball.

"Really happy for them as they move on and wish them the best certainly moving forward," Ferentz said in his opening statement. "I think they have captivated a lot of hearts and minds along the way."

With that time watching women's hoops, one can officially add Ferentz to the long list of people impressed by Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark.

"She's obviously an awesome player," Ferentz said when later asked about Clark in the news conference. "I don't know where to start. Her impact basketball-wise, and I'm certainly not a basketball expert, but it's pretty obvious. I think the things that maybe impressed me more than anything is her vision. She has great vision."

Ferentz has a lot of respect for her passing ability. Clark's 51.3 percent assist rate is the best in the country, according to the analytics website Her Hoop Stats.

"If you're a teammate you'd better be paying attention," Ferentz said. "They know that better than I do. Because if they're open, yeah, it's unbelievable."

One pass in particular stood out to Ferentz.

"She threaded the needle two weekends ago, there was one — she has a million assists that are really good — she got one right down from out on top around the foul line. I don't know how she got it in there."

That's in addition to the impressiveness of "her presence, her demeanor, the way she handles tough situations, whether it's postgame press conferences, whatever."

"I don't know how old she is, 21, 22, and it's a lot to ask," Ferentz said of the 22-year-old Clark. "It's been impressive to watch her."

Ferentz, the longest-tenured coach in the FBS, is far from the first notable figure to laud Clark's game. Among those to praise Clark publicly are Rebecca Lobo, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Charles Barkley.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com