ESPN’s Jay Williams Once Again Calls Caitlin Clark’s Greatness Into Question
The Iowa guard’s feats have ignited discussion and debate across the country.
Most fans would agree that Iowa guard Caitlin Clark meets the definition of greatness.
Clark is, after all, the all-time leading scorer among women in NCAA basketball history. She has three All-America selections, a Naismith Award and a Wooden Award to her name—with another round of postseason accolades for 2024 yet to be handed out.
However, ESPN analyst and former Duke guard Jay Williams has been adamant: Clark cannot be considered truly great until she wins a championship.
During LSU’s 75-74 upset win over No. 17 Kentucky on the men’s side Wednesday night, Williams doubled down on a take from Saturday.
“I hear people talking about GOATS. For me, I’m like, ‘OK, you wanna be a GOAT. Fine. There’s level of greatness,’” Williams said. “You gotta win championships to be GOATs.... Let’s slow down.”
Jay Williams on Caitlin Clark (again):
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 22, 2024
"I hear people talking about GOATS. For me, I'm like, "OK, you wanna be a GOAT. Fine. There's level of greatness. You gotta win championships to be GOATS...Championships. That's how we measure greatness overall." pic.twitter.com/1inUByFmtc
Clark led the Hawkeyes to the national title game in 2023, but Iowa lost 102-85 to LSU. Williams pointed to past collegiate greats who were able to win national titles, such as legendary Connecticut forward Breanna Stewart and guard/forward Diana Taurasi, as being superior to Clark.
“I’ve seen Diana Taurasi. I’ve seen Breanna Stewart,” Williams said. “Championships. That’s how we measure greatness overall.”