Sue Birds explains how Caitlin Clark can separate herself in the WNBA and become an All-Star

IOWA CITY, IOWA- FEBRUARY 15: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after breaking the NCAA women’s all-time scoring record during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on February 15, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776063886 ORIG FILE ID: 2014556207

Caitlin Clark is the most prolific scorer in women’s college basketball, and she’s catching the attention of the sports world one logo 3-pointer at a time. Her deep shooting abilities are part of why future Hall of Famer Sue Bird predicts Clark’s popularity will translate to the WNBA, and she’ll be an All-Star during her rookie year.

For weeks on end, basketball fans have been talking about Caitlin Clark. Her game has brought national attention to the Iowa Hawkeyes, and she’s even gotten high praise from basketball great Shaquille O’Neal, who called her the greatest women’s college basketball player ever. Sue Bird, another basketball legend, has also been watching Clark. She appeared on ESPN shortly after Caitlin broke the NCAA scoring record to share how she wasn’t surprised about the Iowa Star’s dominance.

.@S10Bird‘s reaction to @caitlinclark22 becoming women’s D-1 scoring leader? Not surprised. Loved celebrating Caitlin’s record and the next generation of hoops with the one who paved the way on @SportsCenter. 🏀👑 #CaitlinClark #SportsCenter #SueBird #WomensSports #CollegeHoops pic.twitter.com/tGCmksT3Sz

— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) February 17, 2024

Now, Bird is doubling down on her compliments for Clark with a prediction. Per Richard Deitsch of the Athletic, during an upcoming episode on the Sports Media Podcast, Sue shared why she thinks Caitlin’s skillset and inevitable transition to the WNBA could mean All-Star honors during her rookie season.

Here’s what she said:

“I think if she plays up to her potential, yes, that’s realistic,” Bird said. “And, by the way, that’s not a knock on anyone in the WNBA. It’s going to be hard, but I think she can do it. You do have to see what happens when they get there. You are now playing against adults, and this is their career. But I do think she has a chance at having a lot of success early, and I think a lot of it comes down to her long-distance shooting. That is her separator. You’re not really used to guarding people out there.”

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Sue Birds explains how Caitlin Clark can separate herself in the WNBA and become an All-Star