Dawn Staley Praises Caitlin Clark’s Brilliance—Robin Lundberg Breaks It Down
Sports Illustrated analyst Robin Lundberg dove into some powerful praise South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley recently gave to WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark—and his breakdown has fans buzzing.
In a new YouTube video posted Friday, Lundberg reflected on Staley’s tour for her newly released memoir Uncommon Favor, where the Hall of Fame coach didn’t hold back on her admiration for the former Iowa star.
“Staley had several comments about Caitlin Clark on this tour that were all very, very complimentary,” Lundberg said. “Considering the source, obviously, those are worth a lot.”
Before diving deep into Clark’s growing legacy, Lundberg tipped his cap to Staley, not only for her success on the court but also for sharing her journey in the memoir. He even noted her reported $12 million net worth, saying it speaks to the impact she’s made both in basketball and beyond.
“The Toughest Loss” and a Championship Redemption
Lundberg revisited one of the most iconic moments in recent women’s college basketball—Clark’s 41-point eruption against South Carolina in the 2023 Final Four, where Iowa knocked off the then-undefeated Gamecocks 77–73.
Staley later admitted it was “the toughest loss of her career,” and Lundberg emphasized how meaningful that statement was coming from such a decorated coach. But he was quick to add the redemption arc: “She got her revenge, right?” he said. “Congratulations to Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks for doing that. They earned that national championship. They were clearly the best team.”
Still, the impact Clark left on that game—and on South Carolina—was undeniable.
“You could see the impact of what Clark was able to do with that Iowa program against a juggernaut like South Carolina,” Lundberg said.
“Triple-Doubles Will Be Normal for Her”
Fast forward to today, and Clark has wasted no time making waves in the WNBA. Lundberg turned to a recent Sports Illustrated interview, where Staley boldly predicted Clark would be one of the greatest players ever—and a walking triple-double threat.
“Caitlin Clark, I think, could average a triple-double like it’s in her capabilities,” Lundberg said. “The only thing keeping her back from that is the length of WNBA games, but Dawn Staley is right on in her assessment.”
Lundberg praised Clark’s elite court vision, her ability to elevate teammates, and her all-around game. He highlighted how her size, strength, and deep shooting range make her a rare and generational talent.
“She’s Grown the Game”
Staley doubled down on the hype during a radio appearance, reiterating that Clark is not only destined for greatness—but already changing the sport.
“She will go down as one of the best women players of all time,” Staley said. “She’s grown the game.”
“A lot of credit there,” Lundberg added. “A lot of kind words there from Dawn Staley.”
Staley Sounds Off on Replay After Caitlin Clark–Angel Reese Foul
The conversation then shifted to a more recent headline involving Clark and fellow WNBA star Angel Reese. During a game on May 17, Clark was called for a foul against Reese that was later upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after video review. The incident stirred plenty of debate, and Staley was asked about the use of replay in that context during her visit to The Breakfast Club radio show.
“I like it because officials make mistakes,” Staley said on May 22. “It allows them to be corrected because they’re wrong.”
Though the Clark–Reese moment drew controversy, Staley turned it into a larger conversation about accountability and accuracy in officiating—pointing once again to her thoughtful presence in the game.
Whether on the court or behind the mic, it’s clear: Dawn Staley sees Caitlin Clark not just as a rival, but as a revolutionary.
