The buzz was palpable as Caitlin Clark, emerging superstar of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, appeared via Zoom for an interview during the NCAA Finals. Hosted by legendary figures Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, the event promised revelations and unfiltered honesty, and Caitlin delivered exactly that.
From the moment her face appeared on-screen, viewers sensed this would be different. It wasn’t scripted smiles or rehearsed lines—Caitlin Clark was there to speak openly, her humor sharp and candidness refreshing.
The conversation quickly turned to a year-old jab Diana Taurasi once made, warning Caitlin about the harsh realities awaiting rookies in the WNBA. “Reality is coming,” Diana had famously teased. Fast-forward to the present, and Caitlin couldn’t resist playfully flipping that phrase back at Diana, acknowledging her retirement with a smirk and nod. The playful exchange marked a symbolic passing of the torch, underscoring Caitlin’s confident entry into professional basketball.
Reflecting on their intense first meeting in Phoenix, Taurasi admitted how electrifying the atmosphere was, a feeling echoed by Clark. Caitlin vividly recalled the Fever’s comeback from a significant deficit—highlighting it as a pivotal moment in her professional journey. “We were down like 10 or 15 and fought our way back,” Caitlin said proudly. It was more than just another game; it was proof that she and her teammates belonged among legends.
The mutual admiration between Caitlin and Diana was unmistakable. Taurasi openly praised Caitlin’s extraordinary talent, revealing her excitement for the next generation. “I’ve watched her college career in awe,” Diana confessed. “Sharing the court was surreal.”
Yet the interview wasn’t all smiles and nostalgia. Caitlin seized the opportunity to tackle false narratives head-on, especially the damaging claims by Sheryl Swoopes about a “toxic” Indiana Fever locker room. “That week, everyone was saying we didn’t get along,” Caitlin explained passionately. “But honestly, it was one of the most united teams I’ve ever experienced.” Caitlin emphasized the bond among teammates, highlighting how their camaraderie enabled a turnaround from early-season struggles. “People assume they know what’s inside your locker room—but they don’t.”
The interview also delved deep into strategic basketball insights, particularly her intense matchups against UConn coached by Geno Auriemma. Caitlin openly admitted the difficulties she faced due to Geno’s meticulous game planning. “They always had the best scouts against me,” Caitlin said. She detailed the frustration and respect she held for Geno’s strategic mind, admiring how he continuously adjusted tactics to challenge her. “He always had something in his back pocket,” she conceded, “making every game a mental battle.”
When Sue Bird shifted the conversation towards fellow young star Paige Bueckers, Caitlin’s tone softened into admiration. She praised Paige’s poise, emphasizing how vital calmness and maturity are when transitioning to the WNBA. “Her mid-range game is some of the best I’ve seen,” Caitlin remarked enthusiastically, clearly excited about Paige’s potential impact at the professional level.
Looking forward, Caitlin expressed excitement and cautious optimism for the Fever’s upcoming season. With significant roster additions—including seasoned veterans Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner—Caitlin was frank about the challenges of integrating seven new players quickly. Still, she embraced the task ahead, recognizing the importance of added experience and leadership for playoff success. “On paper, we’re really strong,” she said confidently, though fully aware of the hurdles ahead. “We need to gel fast, but the talent and experience we now have is exactly what we lacked.”
Amid all the basketball talk, Caitlin addressed the viral buzz about her physical transformation during the offseason. Joking about a widely-shared photo showing her newly muscular arms, she laughed it off but acknowledged a significant commitment to strength training. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room,” Caitlin admitted, detailing how increased strength and refined skills, such as mastering a floater and finishing through contact, have enhanced her game significantly.
The conversation inevitably turned humorous, notably when discussing technical fouls. Diana, famous for her fiery on-court personality, shared amusing anecdotes about her own technical fouls. Caitlin, not shy to admit her edge, revealed she’d accumulated six techs in her first professional season—though humorously clarified half were for minor or unintended infractions. Even amid laughter, the underlying message was clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t afraid to show passion on the court.
As the interview wound down, the camaraderie among Caitlin, Sue, and Diana was evident. Diana teasingly warned Caitlin about the “setup” WNBA All-Star game, a joking nod to rookie hazing traditions. Caitlin, however, took it in stride, humorously embracing the chaos of her first All-Star experience.
By the end of the session, Caitlin Clark hadn’t just participated in the conversation; she’d owned it. Her authenticity, poise, and humility resonated deeply, bridging the gap between the revered past and the bright future of women’s basketball. Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi watched approvingly, recognizing the promise in Caitlin’s approach—not just as a player, but as a leader ready to take the sport forward.
As viewers logged off, it was clear that Caitlin Clark had firmly stepped into her moment, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating her next move. The future of women’s basketball was indeed in excellent hands, poised not merely to follow the path laid by legends, but to blaze her own remarkable trail.
Caitlin Clark on ‘The Bird and Taurasi Show’: Highlights from NCAA final alt broadcast
Editor’s note: Follow UConn vs. South Carolina live updates from the women’s NCAA championship game.
Caitlin Clark was back in the women’s national championship game. Sort of.
No, the former Iowa star wasn’t playing, but she was part of the broadcast for Sunday’s NCAA Tournament title game between Connecticut and South Carolina. “The Bird and Taurasi Show,” hosted by retired legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, has been ESPN’s alternate broadcast for the women’s Final Four and features special guests joining to talk about the game.
In the biggest game of the college basketball season, it only made sense for arguably the biggest women’s basketball star to join the show. While we are sure to get some great basketball insight, there’s usually some hijinks with the former UConn stars. There was some silliness when the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer joins in on the fun.
Here are the highlights from Clark’s appearance on the “The Bird and Taurasi Show.”
Caitlin Clark joins ‘The Bird and Taurasi Show’ virtually
Clark wasn’t in Tampa for the game as she joined the show virtually. Bird and Taurasi had their drinks alongside themselves, and Clark had her own: Gatorade, making for some good product placement, as she is sponsored by Gatorade.
Diana Taurasi jokes about jab at Caitlin Clark
It didn’t take long for Taurasi to reference the infamous comments she made about Clark last year. When talking with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt prior to Clark’s time in the WNBA, she said “reality is coming” for her and the rookies. The comments drew criticism as it appeared WNBA veterans weren’t welcoming Clark.
Flash forward to Sunday and not long after Clark joined, Taurasi said: “Unfortunately reality is coming to me now,” drawing laughs from everyone.
Clark congratulated Taurasi on her retirement, and Taurasi said she’s even more busy now than when she was playing. Her advice for Clark was to play as long as possible.
Caitlin Clark on Paige Bueckers: ‘We all know she’s going No. 1’
Clark was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, and she knows who will get picked first this year. She praised Paige Bueckers as her college career comes to a close, and talked about what it will be like when she plays for the Dallas Wings. Dallas owns the top pick in the upcoming draft, and she’s confident in who it will take.
“We all know she’s going No. 1,” Clark said of Bueckers.
Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi joke about Caitlin Clark’s muscles
Clark was asked about her thoughts and expectations for the upcoming WNBA season, and the hosts brought up the viral picture of Clark looking like she put on some muscle. Clark admitted she was in the weight room but just laughed at the thought of her looking stronger.
“AI is getting out of control,” Clark said.
The Indiana Fever got stronger in the offseason, hiring Stephanie White as head coach and adding players such as DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard. A more experienced roster is expected to help Indiana contend after it made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
“We should be pretty good,” Clark said. “I’m excited about it.”
Caitlin Clark, Diana Taurasi talk about what it was like to play each other
Nearly every game in Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was highly anticipated, but one game that stood out was Indiana vs. Phoenix as it featured Clark against the legend Taurasi. Even though she had the “reality is coming” comments, Taurasi praised Clark and talked about the crazy atmosphere in the arena.
“It felt like the last game that was ever going to be played. There was such anticipation. The crowd was going crazy,” Taurasi said. “It really was an amazing moment … I got to cross paths with Caitlin at least for a couple games, and to me, that meant a lot.”
Clark admitted “the first time, because we played at Phoenix, I was a little star struck.”
Caitlin Clark brings up Geno Auriemma retirement rumors
With UConn closing in on winning its 12th national title under Auriemma, Clark brought up the question if the 71-year-old coach would retire on top of the sport. Bird and Taurasi admitted they talked about it amongst themselves earlier, but they don’t see it happening.
“I don’t think he will,” Taurasi said. “I think when he looks at winning this year and then having Sarah Strong for another three years, he sees an opportunity to build another dynasty.”
However, Clark had a much bolder prediction. She believes Auriemma will retire within the next couple of years, wanting to go out with Azzi Fudd.
“I think he coaches one more after this with Azzi, and then maybe he heads out,” Clark said.
What is ‘The Bird and Taurasi Show?’
“The Bird and Taurasi Show” is an alternate telecast aired at the same time as the main broadcast for the national championship game. The show features commentary from WNBA legends Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi live from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, alongside guests.
