Caitlin Clark's WNBA Draft Eligibility Delayed Due to NCAA Ruling
Extra Year of Eligibility for Pandemic Impacted Season
Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark will have to wait another year to enter the WNBA Draft. The NCAA ruling granting an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed Clark's draft eligibility until 2024.
COVID-Impacted Freshman Season
Clark, a senior guard, could have taken advantage of the extra year of eligibility because her freshman season in 2020-21 was significantly impacted by the pandemic. However, she chose to return for a fifth year, which will give her more time to develop and improve her game.
WNBA Draft Eligibility Requirements
The WNBA Draft requires that players turn 22 in the same calendar year as the draft. Clark, who was born in October 2002, will not be eligible for the 2023 Draft but will be eligible in 2024.
Talented 2023 WNBA Draft Class
Despite Clark's absence, the 2023 WNBA Draft is expected to feature a talented pool of candidates. However, the absence of the top two stars in collegiate women's basketball, Clark and South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, will certainly make the draft more competitive.
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