Caitlin Clark isn't a rookie when it comes to breaking records and lighting up a crowd, and if what was shown in day one of training camp is any indication, this season will be even more fun to watch.
Social media posts shared by the Indiana Fever gave fans a first glimpse of the new team. If anything stood out the most, it was the pace at which every player on the floor was moving. As proven in recent history, no one plays better in that environment than Caitlin Clark. Everything on the first day was done in smooth motion and transition. It is clear and obvious that head coach Stephanie White is setting the tone for her team right out of the gate.
All five players on the floor were creating strong ball movement. Clark penetrates down the floor and DeWanna Bonner gives her the signal to drain the three point shot, which she did in smooth fashion. This team looks very different from last season and it is clear that the offense runs through Clark. Of course it is only the first day that the whole team is being looked at under a microscope, but if any team is going to slow the Fever down it will require them to be able to consistently guard all five players on the floor.
What about this new system will make Caitlin Clark more dangerous?
Clark being successful this season may not look like putting up big numbers. She is going to equally share the workload with anyone who is on the floor with her because she can. She has experience, depth, aggressiveness, and a strong skill set, as well as teammates all around her.
Just because she may not put up massive numbers this season because of the lesser workload certainly does not mean she won't be as equally successful. New teammate DeWanna Bonner is confident that the new additions will mesh well playing alongside Clark.
"She is such a dynamic player. Everyone here wants to make her life easier and she wants to make everybody else's life easier. We're ready to put it altogether," Bonner said.
A huge difference from Clark's first season to her second is the level in which she can now train with fundamentals due to the great mix of rookies and veterans in camp. Coach White being at the helm is a perfect fit for Clark and more time spent together will allow White to mold her into exactly the type of player she is supposed to be.
The Fever practicing early on a motion offense will create more one on one opportunities for Clark and will additionally allow for more three-point shots. Having Bonner and Makayla Timpson added to the roster in combination with Aliyah Boston getting down the floor quicker can slow down the need for Clark to rebound, allowing her to open up in the wing. This system is brand new to all of these players, and having a clean starting slate for the season may just be the best thing for long-term success.
Should an opponent choose to double team or blitz Clark in their game plan, it will be costly for them with the number of combination offenses White can choose to run with.