Arike Ogunbowale dazzled fans at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game by scoring an impressive 34 points. Despite her stellar performance, Ogunbowale selflessly directed the spotlight towards Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, affectionately dubbing her “The Future.”
Clark, who holds the NCAA record for most points scored, did not have her best shooting performance at the Footprint Center during Team WNBA’s 117-109 victory over Team USA on July 20. Nevertheless, she excelled as a playmaker, delivering 10 assists in her All-Star debut. Although she was just two assists shy of breaking Sue Bird’s record of 12 assists, Clark’s ability to create opportunities for her teammates stood out. Her effective collaboration with the Dallas Wings’ Ogunbowale and the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese contributed significantly to Team WNBA’s unexpected triumph over the favored Team USA.
Three days later, on July 23, Clark shared a collage of 10 photos on Instagram, commemorating her first WNBA All-Star appearance. The post, captioned “First WNBA All-Star,” received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players alike. Among the many accolades, Ogunbowale reiterated her admiration by commenting and reaffirming Clark’s promising future in the league.
Clark’s performance, though not record-breaking in terms of assists, showcased her exceptional playmaking abilities and potential to be a cornerstone in the WNBA. Ogunbowale’s recognition of Clark highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect among players in the league, as well as the bright future ahead for the young star.
