Caitlin Clark lived up to the hype in her appearance at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, winning the event’s MVP trophy after leading the United States to a flawless 5-0 record.
Clark averaged 11.6 points per game, shooting an efficient 52.9% from the floor and 40% from behind the 3-point arc. The Indiana Fever’s All-Star point guard also led the entire tournament field in assists, averaging 6.4 per game.
Clark was crowned MVP in Puerto Rico, and now she’s up for the overall award.
On Monday morning, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup account released a fan voting poll featuring one overall MVP candidate from each nation that participated in World Cup qualifying events around the globe.
Clark was the pick for Team USA.
As of Monday evening, Clark holds a dominant lead in the poll with 72% of votes in her favor. The next highest vote getter is Hungary’s Dorka Juhasz with 13%.
More Basketball: Justin Jackson Shares Candid Thoughts on Hubert Davis’ Future at UNC
Clark missed the majority of her second WNBA season with a variety of injury issues. But upon her return to the court in Puerto Rico, it appears the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year is back and better than ever as she gears up for her third professional campaign.
“Fun being back out there. always an honor @usabasketball,” Clark wrote in an Instagram post after her MVP performance in Puerto Rico.
More Basketball: Iowa’s Ben McCollum Fires Subtle Shot at Florida After Todd Golden Incident
Clark and the Fever will begin their preseason schedule with a matchup against the New York Liberty on Apr. 25. Their first regular-season game will take place against the Dallas Wings on May 9.