Lisa Bluder Compares Caitlin Clark to Maya Moore
Caitlin Clark's former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder compared the WNBA star rookie to women's basketball legend Maya Moore after Clark captured the Honda Cup honoring the 2024 Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. It was the second time Caitlin took home the trophy, a feat the legendary Moore also once accomplished.
"For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now she's the Maya Moore of this generation. And she understands that."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 24, 2024
- Former @IowaWBB coach Lisa Bluder on Caitlin Clark connecting with young fans pic.twitter.com/VCnnrLdD9E
Bluder dubbed Clark the Maya Moore of this generation and praised her former player for being genuine and taking the time to sign autographs for fans. Bluder was clearly trying to be complimentary of both Clark and Moore, who Caitlin has credited many times as an inspiration. However, some on social media rejected the comparison.
That lady former coach did not say 22 was the Maya Moore of this generation. THE Maya Moore???? pic.twitter.com/fCB4WGtsd4
— Reezy Sack (@NYREEZY) June 25, 2024
Regardless of any online noise, Moore herself has been supportive of Clark, previously telling USA Today Sports
"She is someone, I think, who’s a lot more than stats. She tries to bring that passion and joy to her community. I look forward to seeing how she uses her influence, how she’ll make her community better, her teammates better."
The now Indiana Fever player returned the effusive praise she received from her Hawkeyes coach calling Bluder the best leader she has ever been around while expressing how grateful she is to occupy the position she has.
"Coach Bluder has always preached: 'Be where your feet are' ... This life that I get to live — I'm very grateful for."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 25, 2024
- Caitlin Clark on lessons she's brought from @IowaWBB to the WNBA pic.twitter.com/VCAuns8hdB
Respect seemed to be shared all around, which includes a previous comment Clark made about a past interaction with Moore.
"I just try to take as much time as I can for those young girls because Maya was so nice to me when I ran up to her, and that’s something that’s stuck with me all the way until I’m 22 years old."
ROBIN LUNDBERG
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!