Caitlin Clark‘s rise to fame in college and the WNBA has drawn many comparisons to previous hoops greats. Clark’s former college coach, Lisa Bluder, says Caitlin is “the Maya Moore of her generation.” YES. That was an actual sentence.
Few people in the league can do what Caitlin Clark can, especially rookies. It’s probably hard for anyone who’s had the pleasure of watching her get to the professional level to describe how special she is.
Lisa Bluder recently shared what Caitlin means to young fans. Here’s what she told CBS Sports:
“She is definitely making a difference in kids’ lives. For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now, she’s the Maya Moore of this generation, and she understands that.”
“She understands how important that was to her — to get that autograph after the game, to get that hug, to take that picture with…I just think it’s off the court, she’s so genuine. She’s so giving of her time, and she’s really an honest — and just the passion and the joy she plays with is so special.”
"For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now she's the Maya Moore of this generation. And she understands that."
– Former @IowaWBB coach Lisa Bluder on Caitlin Clark connecting with young fans pic.twitter.com/VCnnrLdD9E
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 24, 2024
Bluder was trying to convey that what Maya Moore gave to Caitlin by stopping for photos and autographs when she was young was impactful. Now, Caitlin gets to do that for young hoops fans who idolize her similarly.
But that’s not quite how she explained it. Of course, hoops fans are having a field day with the comparison. This is how social media reacted:
Maya Moore is the Maya Moore of this generation.
Caitlin is a great shooter, broke a lot of collegiate records, and has a large fan base.
Maya's accomplishments include multiple NCAA championships.
Too much praise, too much pressure.
Just let her play. https://t.co/og1Q56mnK4— EncourageOneAnother (@EncouragedOne) June 25, 2024
Maya Moore won titles and spoke out about social issues. https://t.co/C4Bt1OusnN pic.twitter.com/sRIoPmSAWl
— she better be coming… (@CannyZanny) June 25, 2024
The Maya Moore disrespect is crazy. https://t.co/VL2efXy922
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) June 25, 2024
Shshshs hey man I’m not the most educated W fan but one thing I know Caitlin is not is MAYA MOORE. Lmaooo did y’all forget who Maya is???? Like bruh please https://t.co/SDmNzh8bNz
— look at my opponent (@AyeFonz0) June 25, 2024
Alright, y’all are taking this too far now. Let her be her own person & stop it with the comparisons. MAYA MOORE?! THE Maya Moore? SMH pic.twitter.com/R40654PsPQ
— 👑Dawn👑 of a New Era (@Simply_Shay25) June 25, 2024
ok https://t.co/gY86JWJ58Z pic.twitter.com/IsnRfEOA7K
— maggaggie (@88mugsy88) June 25, 2024