Polarizing Phoenix Mercury Star Asserts Clear Caitlin Clark Stance
Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham is one of the WNBA's most polarizing players.
While there's no question Cunningham's three-point shooting and defensive prowess is a major asset for the 17-18 Mercury, speculation about her political beliefs has become a common talking point among the women's basketball community based on previous social media activity.
Cunningham has also generated headlines for a recent ejection due to technical fouls and for her bold fashion choices.
Yet, while she makes no apologies for her style and has not addressed her stances off the court, her stance on Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark is shared by many.
In a September 4 interview with Nick Kosko of On3Sports, Cunningham made her respect and adoration for the WNBA's current rookie class apparent.
"I think it's so positive, I really do," Cunningham said of the buzz that the 2024 rookie class has generated for the WNBA. "I think it's a fun time to be part of the W, I truly believe that. I think the skill and talent has always been there, but now it's just the viewership.
"I give a big old clap to the rookie class. I think that's a lot to deal with at that age and [when] you have that many eyes on you. But I think they've done a great job on the league as well. I think physicality and all that, they're going to get used to it," Cunningham continued.
"But I think especially Caitlin Clark, she has been killing it. And I'm a huge fan," Cunningham added. "And I never say that. But I think it's super fun what she's doing."
Sophie Cunningham on Caitlin Clark
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) September 6, 2024
"I'M A HUGE FAN AND I NEVER SAY THAT", adds if you're not capitalizing on this, you are just jealous
Talk about endorsement with Quest due to extra viewership
Someone who actually uses her platform to talk good things 🤩@sophaller#WNBA pic.twitter.com/BBOMXxL9T5
Given that WNBA veterans were often criticized for being tough on Clark and the other rookies earlier this season, it's cool to see Cunningham giving the Fever icon her flowers.
GRANT YOUNG
Grant Young covers Women’s Basketball, the New York Yankees, and the New York Mets for Sports Illustrated’s ‘On SI’ sites. He holds an MFA degree in creative writing from the University of San Francisco (USF), where he also graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and played on USF’s Division I baseball team for five years. However, he now prefers Angel Reese to Angels in the Outfield.