Caitlin Clark believes the Olympic break in the WNBA schedule was necessary following a rapid transition from college.

In the past year, Caitlin Clark has gone from being a senior in college and the star of the Iowa women's basketball team that won the national championship, to being drafted and playing in the WNBA season.

The decision to exclude the Indiana Fever star from the Olympic women's basketball roster sparked a lot of debate, but Clark said the break during the WNBA season due to the 2024 Paris Games was necessary.

"Due to the Olympic break, I received a month off during the middle of the WNBA season. This was necessary because the 12 girls were participating in the Olympics, leaving everyone else with little to do."

The Fever's late-season push was due to the improved play of Clark after the break, resulting in a 20-20 finish and making the playoffs.

After the Olympic break, she averaged 23.1 points per game, up from her previous average of 17.1 points per game.

Jason queried Clark about defining her chaotic year in only two words.

"I would say, like, I don't know, life-changing maybe? All in a good way, like, I mean, things just change really fast, as you guys know. That's just how the world works and, especially with social media, people see a lot of your life, but that's what makes it fun and why I've had so many cool opportunities, too. So, it's crazy, like looking back at a year ago today or around this time, like, I was just beginning my senior year at college," Clark said.

"People knew who we were and attended our games, but it wasn't as big as it is now. Life changes quickly, which makes it fun and exciting. Moving to Indianapolis was a new chapter in my life, and I feel lucky to still be in the Midwest. I know you guys like the Midwest too."

Clark expressed excitement about establishing a more consistent routine in her second season with the Fever following her rapid transition from college basketball to the WNBA.

Clark stated, "Yeah, for sure, it's unlike any other professional sport. I played in the national championship and got picked in the draft right after. You basically pack up and move, even in April, before finishing senior year of college."

"For you guys, preparing for the NFL combine takes two months. After being drafted, you have some time to adjust to the new city, but camp only lasts for a week and a half."

But Clark also said there was a benefit to things moving so quickly.

Clark stated that he found it good, but only a little bit, as it didn't allow much time for overthinking. He felt like he never truly ended his college chapter, as it was like he was abruptly left. However, this lack of time to think about it could be considered a positive aspect of women's professional basketball and college basketball, as it involves a rapid change.

Despite the quick transition into the WNBA, Clark still excelled.

She was the WNBA Rookie of the Year, an All-Star, and led the league in assists, breaking the record for most assists in a season with 337.

In the WNBA, Clark set the rookie record for most total points scored in a season with 769, and she drained 122 3-pointers in her season, which is the second most in a single season.

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