2 months ago
10
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Caitlin Clark had to remind herself to smile, have fun and not be so self-critical.
The opening day of USA Basketball camp Friday was her first time playing competitively in nearly five months after the Indiana Fever All-Star missed most of the WNBA season with a variety of injuries.
“I was a little nervous. I haven’t been out here in a while. It’s certainly fun to lace them up and be in a competitive practice,” Clark said. “Obviously it’s a lot different. I’ve been working out and playing pickup, but to be in an environment like this (is different). “I need to knock off a little bit of rust. My body feels really good. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
Clark said she gained a greater appreciation for basketball after only being able to play in 13 games this past season.
“My year was really challenging. I missed being on the court and playing,” she said. ‘I would have taken 10 bad games in a row just to be out there playing, that’s how much I love it. For me to be here and feel like I’m playing well and being healthy, that makes me smile more than anything.”
Clark said she was back to 100% and showed flashes of her exciting play that has brought millions of new fans to women’s basketball over the past few years since her time at Iowa. She hit a few deep 3-pointers on Duke’s practice court and threw some beautiful passes that led to easy baskets for her tea...
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