Shaq Declares Caitlin Clark the Greatest Women’s College Basketball Player Ever

Shaq believes that Clark is in a class of her own.

Caitlin Clark etched her name into the history books on Thursday night, as she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. Clark broke the record previously held by Kelsey Plum on a long three-pointer from the logo during Iowa‘s 106–89 victory over Michigan. 

But all-time leading scorer isn't the only title Clark now holds, according to four-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal. 

Shaq believes that Clark is in a class of her own when it comes to women’s college basketball. O’Neal declared the Hawkeyes star the “best female collegiate player ever” during the Inside the NBA broadcast on TNT. 

"I'm gonna go on the record and say she's the best female collegiate player ever." 🔥

Shaq has high praise for Caitlin Clark after breaking the NCAAW all-time scoring record pic.twitter.com/2r2Zrq93n7

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2024

Like many opinions expressed on Inside the NBA, Shaq’s was met with loud counter arguments from both Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley, who proceeded to rattle off the likes of Cheryl Miller, Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi, among others, as players often regarded as the best in women’s college basketball history. 

But to Shaq's point, Clark is certainly in the conversation, especially after cementing herself as the greatest scorer in the sport's history, a monumental achievement in a career filled with impressive accolades.  

Perhaps the only thing Clark is missing is a national championship. The 23–3 Hawkeyes, ranked fourth in the nation, figure to have a great shot at a title with Clark leading the way.