Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Caitlin Clark nabs 2023 Naismith Trophy following incredible season for Iowa

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Caitlin Clark produced a memorable performance for Iowa this season. On Wednesday, her efforts were officially recognized with the 2023 Naismith Trophy.

That award is given annually to the top player in the sport. Clark beat out South Carolina star and 2022 Naismith Trophy winner Aliyah Boston, Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley and Villanova’s Maddy Siegrist. She becomes Iowa’s second-ever Naismith winner, following Megan Gustafson taking the honor in 2019.

“Winning the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy is such a huge honor for my family and our program,” said Clark about the accomplishment. “None of this would be possible without my tremendous support system. I want to also thank Lisa Bluder for giving me the opportunity to play at Iowa and really thrive during my time here.”

Some of Clark’s numbers and accolades include averaging 27.3 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds. She is the only women’s player to average more than 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds this season.

Clark delivered some of the best performances of the year on the biggest stage. That includes a historic 41-point triple-double in leading Iowa to the Final Four.

What’s next for Caitlin Clark

While basketball is a team sport, all eyes will be on the Final Four matchup between Clark’s Hawkeyes and Aliyah Boston’s South Carolina squad. The Gamecocks are a No. 1 seed in pursuit of perfection, and there are some who believe Boston is still the best overall player in the country.

There’s no denying Clark’s worthiness of the Naismith Trophy as one of the true superstars of the sport across both men’s and women’s college basketball. However, she gets another shot at a legacy-defining moment when facing the Gamecocks.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.