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Caitlin Clark Trolls Tyrese Haliburton With Witty Quip in Introductory Fever Presser

The former Iowa star had to throw some shade at an Iowa State alum.

Tom Dierberger

Indianapolis Star-USA TODAY NETW
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The state of Indiana officially gained another star basketball talent Wednesday, as former Iowa Hawkeyes sharpshooter Caitlin Clark arrived at the Fever's facility to be introduced as the team's No. 1 draft pick.

Among those to welcome Clark on her first day of work was Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who played collegiately for the Iowa State Cyclones—a bitter rival to Clark and her Hawkeyes.

"Obviously, [Haliburton] played for a very terrible team in college," Clark jokingly said. "It's nice to be in the same city now. I think the thing I love about him is the way he passes the ball. Like I watch his game, and it's just incredible what he can do."

Haliburton has played in Indianapolis since he was the main piece of the Sacramento Kings' trade for center Domantas Sabonis in February 2022. He posted a similar quip to social media Monday, shortly after the Fever selected Clark with the No. 1 pick of the 2024 WNBA draft.

Both Indianapolis stars could be wearing red, white and blue this summer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Haliburton will make his Olympic debut after he was officially named to the 12-player Team USA men's basketball roster on Wednesday. The women's basketball team isn't set yet, but Clark was the only collegiate player to be selected to Team USA's 14-player training camp in Cleveland last month.

"Tyrese is incredible," Clark said to reporters Wednesday. "I just want to congratulate him. Obviously, being named to the USA national team today is pretty special. It's a really hard accomplishment."

The future of basketball in Indianapolis looks very, very bright.

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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

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