Caitlin Clark, Tyrese Haliburton Shared Sweet Moment Before Fever Introductory Press Conference

Kristen Wong | Apr 18, 2024

Indianapolis Star-USA TODAY NETW

Indiana’s new sports darling received a welcome worthy of royalty on Wednesday.

Former Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark was introduced in a press conference in Indianapolis days after she was selected by the Indiana Fever with the No. 1 pick of the WNBA draft. Prior to her media availability, she got a sweet visit from Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton.

Haliburton, recently named to Team USA’s 12-man roster for the Paris Olympics, went in for an emotional hug with Clark, with the two Indiana icons exchanging pleasantries and taking photos together. They also may have sparred over their bitter intrastate collegiate rivalry, as Haliburton played for the Iowa State Cyclones in college. 

Caitlin Clark had a star-studded welcome to Indy this morning 🌟 pic.twitter.com/d9FL9W6tTJ

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 17, 2024

the future 💫@Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton stopped by to welcome Caitlin Clark to Indy this morning. pic.twitter.com/9uKNWj4YM8

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 17, 2024

Haliburton was one of the first high-profile stars to officially meet Clark as she starts a new chapter of her basketball career, but he likely won’t be the last. The WNBA season starts on May 14 with the Fever set to play their season-opener on the road against the Connecticut Sun.

“I was hoping that Indiana got the first pick, it would’ve made my life a lot better. When I saw that I was pretty excited,” Clark said in her introductory press conference. "I feel like this is a perfect spot for myself, a place that loves basketball.”