During Wednesday night’s WNBA game, the Golden State Valkyries announcer Derek Clark made a striking comment about Kate Martin and her connection to Caitlin Clark, sparking fresh debate in the Caitlin Clark Iowa basketball debate. Martin, a key player for the Valkyries, had delivered a career-high 21 points in a close defeat to the New York Liberty, prompting Clark to highlight Martin’s college basketball contributions alongside her famed Iowa teammate.
Kate Martin’s Emergence in the WNBA and NCAA Tournament Contributions
Kate Martin, originally drafted in the second round, quickly became a valuable contributor on the Las Vegas Aces before being selected by Golden State in the WNBA expansion draft. She currently averages 6.7 points per game for the Valkyries. Martin’s notable performance in the recent game showcased her growing presence in the league following solid support roles over the last two seasons.
Clark’s commentary shifted focus back to Martin’s time at Iowa, emphasizing her ability to take charge, particularly during NCAA Tournament games when Caitlin Clark was less effective. According to the announcer, Martin frequently stepped up and led the team through critical moments in the postseason.
“Everybody knows Kate Martin because she played with Caitlin Clark at Iowa. But people forget some of the games that Caitlin didnt have it, especially in the tournament which is where Kate really made her name, Kate took over a lot of those games by herself.” —Derek Clark
Examining Caitlin Clark’s Historic Scoring Record at Iowa
While Derek Clark’s remarks raised eyebrows, it’s important to examine Caitlin Clark’s remarkable college career to understand the context. Clark is the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, maintaining a 28.4 points per game average throughout her career at Iowa. She rarely had off nights, scoring fewer than 20 points only once in NCAA Tournament play, during a sophomore season loss to Creighton.
Moreover, Clark posted multiple high-scoring performances in the NCAA Tournament, netting over 30 points in eight different games, including a memorable 41-point effort in the 2024 Elite Eight win against LSU. In that same game, Martin scored 21 points, showing her impact but not overshadowing Clark’s dominance.
Comparing the Roles of Martin and Clark at Iowa
Kate Martin was undoubtedly an important player, but historical NCAA statistics indicate she did not “take over games by herself” in Clark’s absence. Martin achieved one 20-plus point NCAA Tournament game at Iowa, while Clark frequently carried the team offensively, exemplified by her 35 points against Drake in 2023 compared to Martin’s 25.
This comparison suggests Martin complemented Clark’s play rather than replaced her during challenging moments, contradicting the narrative put forth by the announcer.
Reactions to the Debate and What It Means for Clark’s Legacy
The bold commentary from Derek Clark adds to a collection of unconventional opinions surrounding Caitlin Clark, whose star power invites passionate discussion. This latest assertion about Kate Martin’s impact during their shared Iowa tenure illustrates how narratives can diverge sharply, even among informed observers.
In a wider context, such debates highlight how teammate dynamics are often oversimplified; to put it in perspective, suggesting Martin took over from Clark is akin to claiming Toni Kukoc overshadowed Michael Jordan during the Bulls era.
As Caitlin Clark’s professional career progresses, conversations about her legacy and the players who shaped her journey will continue to emerge, fueled by both statistical scrutiny and memorable performances.