When Stephen A. Smith talks, the sports world listens. As one of the most influential voices in sports media today, Smith’s opinions carry weight across generations and fanbases. From his passionate monologues on ESPN’s First Take to his deep analysis on ESPN+ specials and NBA Countdown, Smith has long been a respected—and polarizing—figure. So when he took to the airwaves recently to heap praise on Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark, the reaction was both immediate and profound.
“This girl ain’t just a bucket,” Smith declared. “She’s a GAME CHANGER. One of one. And the game of basketball—men’s or women’s—will never be the same because of her.”
In the era of social media-driven attention and transformative athletes, few have disrupted the basketball landscape quite like Caitlin Clark. And Stephen A.’s recognition of her significance is more than just high praise—it’s a milestone in her growing legend.
From Des Moines to Destiny
Caitlin Clark’s rise from West Des Moines, Iowa to national superstardom has been meteoric, yet methodical. Even before she stepped foot on Iowa’s campus, Clark was a known commodity—a five-star recruit with a limitless shooting range and court vision rarely seen at any level.
But what has truly elevated her from “elite player” to “cultural phenomenon” is not just her basketball prowess. It’s the way she plays the game. With a flair reminiscent of Steph Curry and the leadership of legends like Diana Taurasi, Clark rewrote what it means to dominate women’s college basketball.
She didn’t just lead the nation in scoring—she did it while averaging near triple-doubles, hitting logo threes, and delivering behind-the-back dimes. She was the face of every highlight reel, the heartbeat of a team that reached back-to-back Final Fours, and the figure who turned casual fans into loyal followers.
Stephen A. Smith, who has watched generations of players come and go, recognized that this wasn’t just talent—it was transformational.
The Stephen A. Seal of Greatness
For years, Stephen A. has reserved his loftiest praise for game-altering athletes: LeBron James, Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and more. These are the icons who not only achieved individual greatness but reshaped their sports, broke cultural barriers, and elevated the conversation.
Caitlin Clark, in Smith’s eyes, belongs in that rare air.
“When you got middle-aged men who never watched a women’s basketball game sitting in bars talking about Iowa’s game at 8 PM… you’ve changed the landscape,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take. “She’s selling out arenas on the road. She’s putting eyeballs on the women’s game like we’ve never seen.”
Indeed, the numbers don’t lie. Clark’s impact transcends the court:
- TV Ratings Boom: Iowa’s Final Four matchup with South Carolina drew over 12 million viewers in 2023, breaking viewership records for women’s college basketball.
- Ticket Frenzy: Home and away games sold out weeks in advance. Scalpers were charging hundreds, even thousands, for seats in college arenas.
- Merchandise and NIL: Clark’s jersey sales skyrocketed, and her NIL valuation reached into seven figures, rivaling male athletes in major sports.
These weren’t just moments—they were seismic shifts. And Smith was one of the first national pundits to consistently beat the drum of her importance.
Changing Perceptions, One Shot at a Time
Smith emphasized that what makes Clark special isn’t just statistical domination—it’s her ability to change perception. In a sports culture often slow to embrace women’s athletic achievements on par with men’s, Clark forced a reckoning.
“She’s not just good for a woman,” Smith said bluntly. “She’s good period. Better than most dudes I see trying to hoop.”
That quote—bold, controversial to some—struck at the core of what Clark represents. Her game forced skeptics to reconsider their biases. Whether hitting 35-foot threes or delivering no-look assists, she invited comparisons to the greatest showmen (and women) the sport has ever known.
And more importantly, she did it her way—with swagger, emotion, and a constant smile that masked a killer instinct.
Elevating the Women’s Game
Smith has long advocated for greater investment and coverage in women’s sports, particularly basketball. In Clark, he saw the ultimate vehicle for change.
“I said it on national television—Iowa vs. LSU last year was a Super Bowl moment for women’s basketball,” Smith said. “Caitlin Clark was at the center of it. And guess what? She embraced the moment. She wanted the smoke.”
That “smoke” came not just in the form of opposing defenders but from cultural commentary. When Angel Reese made headlines for her celebration during LSU’s national title win, Clark responded with grace, class, and confidence—further solidifying her leadership status.
Smith applauded Clark for being “unapologetically competitive” and “gracious in both victory and defeat,” traits he said are essential in a true game changer.
The WNBA Awaits
With Clark’s entry into the 2024 WNBA Draft, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch. The Indiana Fever, holders of the No. 1 pick, are expected to select Clark, instantly making them one of the most watched teams in professional basketball.
Stephen A. believes the ripple effect will be immediate.
“I said it once, I’ll say it again: the WNBA is about to have its biggest moment since Lisa Leslie dunked,” Smith said. “Caitlin Clark is walking in with pressure, with expectation, and with opportunity. And I think she’s ready.”
Clark’s arrival in the WNBA could be the catalyst for greater TV contracts, increased attendance, and a mainstream breakthrough the league has long sought. And with endorsement deals and potential collaborations with Nike, Gatorade, and others in the pipeline, Clark is poised to become not just a basketball icon—but a global one.
The Stephen A. Effect
Stephen A. Smith’s recognition doesn’t just validate Clark’s accomplishments—it amplifies them. His platform, with millions of viewers daily, brings Clark’s story to audiences who may have otherwise overlooked women’s sports.
And in typical Stephen A. fashion, he didn’t shy away from challenging his audience.
“If you don’t watch her, that’s on you,” he said. “You’re missing out. You’re missing history. Because what Caitlin Clark is doing isn’t just about basketball—it’s about excellence, about evolution, and about giving little girls everywhere a hero to believe in.”
His tone wasn’t performative—it was passionate. For a man who built his career on unapologetic sports takes, his endorsement of Caitlin Clark felt more like a declaration of truth than a hot take.
A Lasting Legacy Already?
While Clark’s college career has ended, her impact is just beginning. From gymnasiums in Iowa to NBA arenas and Olympic dreams, her journey is still unfolding. Yet Smith believes her place in history is already secure.
“When we look back 20 years from now, we’ll say, ‘That’s when it changed.’ That’s when women’s basketball stepped into the spotlight permanently. And Caitlin Clark was the reason.”
That’s legacy. That’s revolution.
And that’s exactly what Stephen A. Smith meant when he said, “She’s a GAME CHANGER.”