Caitlin Clark dominates college record books but gets ignored in ESPN’s all-time rankings for a controversial reason

Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes’ basketball sensation, has become one of the most electrifying figures in college basketball history. Her name is now synonymous with record-breaking performances, viral moments, and an unmistakable blend of skill, tenacity, and leadership that has redefined the women’s game. From breaking records for scoring and assists to leading Iowa to the pinnacle of NCAA basketball, Clark has captivated fans and critics alike. However, despite her extraordinary accomplishments, she finds herself absent from ESPN’s highly anticipated all-time rankings of college basketball players, a glaring omission that has sparked controversy and debate across the basketball community.

As Clark’s college career unfolds, it’s crucial to reflect on her dominance on the court, her place in the sport’s history, and why her exclusion from ESPN’s rankings is so controversial. This article explores Clark’s incredible career, analyzes ESPN’s rankings criteria, and delves into the controversial reasons behind her omission.

Caitlin Clark’s Rise to Prominence

Caitlin Clark’s journey to becoming one of the most dominant players in NCAA history began at the University of Iowa, where she arrived as a highly touted recruit. From her freshman year, it was clear that she was no ordinary talent. Clark made an immediate impact, setting multiple records and quickly establishing herself as one of the premier players in women’s college basketball.

Her scoring ability was unlike anything seen before, with the ability to knock down shots from virtually anywhere on the floor. She possessed an uncanny range, effortlessly sinking three-pointers from well beyond the arc, and exhibited remarkable ball-handling skills that allowed her to break down defenses. Her court vision and basketball IQ also allowed her to rack up assists at an astonishing rate, while her competitive drive and leadership were vital to Iowa’s success on the national stage.

By the time she reached her junior year, Clark had already set multiple NCAA records, including for the most points scored in a single season and the most three-pointers made in a season. She became the first player in NCAA Division I history—male or female—to record over 900 points and 200 assists in a single season. Her individual accolades continued to pile up as she earned numerous All-American selections, Big Ten Player of the Year honors, and led Iowa to its first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game in decades.

Clark’s ability to take over games, particularly in clutch moments, made her a household name, and her performances were often the subject of highlight reels and sports broadcasts across the country. As her college career continued to unfold, it seemed inevitable that Clark’s name would be etched in the annals of college basketball history as one of the game’s all-time greats.

The ESPN All-Time Rankings Controversy

Despite her incredible accomplishments and the immense impact she’s had on the sport, Caitlin Clark was conspicuously absent from ESPN’s all-time rankings of the greatest college basketball players. In 2024, ESPN released its all-time rankings of the greatest players in NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball, featuring a list of the top players who have ever graced the college hardwood.

However, to the dismay of many, Clark was left off this prestigious list—an omission that sparked widespread controversy, particularly given her unprecedented achievements in college basketball. For a player who had rewritten the record books and brought national attention to women’s college basketball, her absence from the list seemed not only perplexing but also deeply unjust.

The rankings, which were compiled by a panel of experts, journalists, and analysts, were based on a variety of factors, including individual achievements, influence on the game, and legacy. The men’s list featured an extensive array of legendary players such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan, while the women’s list highlighted icons like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Chamique Holdsclaw.

So, why was Caitlin Clark excluded from a list where she so obviously belonged? The reasons are complex and multifaceted, with some pointing to issues of bias, timing, and the evolving nature of women’s sports. Let’s take a closer look at the possible reasons behind Clark’s omission.

Timing and the “Recency Bias”

One of the most significant factors that may have contributed to Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from ESPN’s all-time rankings is the issue of timing. While Clark’s career has been nothing short of legendary, it’s important to recognize that her college career is still ongoing. In a ranking system that prioritizes players’ full careers and long-term impact, Clark’s achievements may not yet carry the same weight as those of players whose careers have concluded and whose legacies have already been solidified.

For example, players like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird had long, storied careers that spanned over a decade, with consistent excellence at the college, professional, and international levels. Their legacies were built over years, not just a single season or a couple of exceptional campaigns. Clark, on the other hand, is still in the prime of her college career, and her journey is not yet complete.

This phenomenon is often referred to as “recency bias,” where players whose careers are more recent are sometimes overlooked or undervalued in comparison to those who have had more time to prove themselves. While it’s clear that Clark’s impact on women’s basketball is already monumental, her full legacy may not yet be fully realized, which could explain her exclusion.

Bias Against Women’s Sports

Another possible explanation for Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from ESPN’s all-time rankings is the deep-rooted bias against women’s sports, which has long been a barrier to recognition and respect for female athletes. Historically, women’s sports have been undervalued and marginalized, with coverage often relegated to a secondary status in mainstream media. This bias has extended to rankings, awards, and even opportunities for women to showcase their talent on the national stage.

ESPN’s rankings, while a step toward greater recognition of women’s college basketball, may still reflect the pervasive gender bias that has often hindered the growth of women’s sports. While the men’s college basketball players who dominated the rankings were household names in sports culture, women’s basketball has not received the same level of attention or adulation, despite its growing popularity.

Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from the rankings could, in part, be attributed to this continued disparity. While she has certainly shattered records and become a national star, the broader societal tendency to overlook or undervalue women’s sports could have played a role in the decision to leave her off the list.

The “Impact” Factor and Legacy

Finally, ESPN’s all-time rankings placed significant weight on the players’ overall impact on the sport and their legacies. Some may argue that Caitlin Clark’s legacy is still in the process of being written, and while her accomplishments are extraordinary, she has yet to win a national championship or consistently achieve the level of dominance that other players on the list enjoyed throughout their careers.

Many of the players included in the rankings, such as Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, had careers that were defined not only by individual accomplishments but also by their consistent ability to perform at the highest level over the course of many seasons. Winning championships, making a lasting impact in the professional league, and maintaining excellence for extended periods were all key factors in the ranking process. Caitlin Clark, despite her impressive statistics and individual success, has yet to capture that elusive championship.

While this might seem like a logical reason to omit Clark, it’s worth noting that the criteria for “impact” should be more nuanced. Players like Clark, who have already reshaped the game and set new standards for excellence, should be recognized for their revolutionary impact, even if they have not yet won a championship or cemented their legacy in the same way as other players who have had longer careers.

The Bigger Picture

Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from ESPN’s all-time rankings is a reflection of larger issues within the sports world—issues of gender bias, media attention, and the criteria by which greatness is measured. While some of the reasons behind her omission may seem reasonable on the surface, it’s important to consider the context of her achievements. Clark has single-handedly elevated women’s college basketball to new heights, and her influence goes beyond mere statistics.

Her exclusion from ESPN’s rankings doesn’t diminish her accomplishments; it highlights the ongoing struggles for women athletes to receive the recognition they deserve. As her career progresses, it is likely that Clark will continue to shatter records, win championships, and leave a lasting impact on the sport. Eventually, her place in the history books will be undeniable.

In the meantime, the controversy surrounding her omission from ESPN’s all-time rankings serves as a reminder of how far women’s sports still have to go in terms of equal recognition and respect. Caitlin Clark may not have a spot on this particular list, but she has already secured her place in the hearts and minds of basketball fans everywhere—and her legacy is far from finished.