Troll tells Erica Wheeler to pack her baɢs after Caitlɪn Clark declares for draft, the star shuts down hateʀs with a SASSY response!!
Indiana Fever point guard Erica Wheeler isn’t worried about her job security after Iowa All-American Caitlin Clark declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft on Thursday.Clark, who will forgo her senior year at Iowa, is projected as the WNBA’s No. 1 pick by the Fever in the draft, which will take place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City on April 15.
After Clark announced her future plans, one X user posted: “Somebody tell Erica Wheeler to pack her bags now!” — which Wheeler found funny.
“Hahaha unfortunately I will be in Indy,” the 32-year-old All-Star guard wrote in a reply post. “I promise you I am not going no where! how bout you pack your bag and come watch us play!”
Wheeler, who was undrafted out of Rutgers and made her way to the league in 2015, replied to a number of trolling comments — while also promoting “the Clark effect” coming to Indy.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second quarter at Williams Arena on Feb 28, 2024.
Another X user wrote, “Erica wheeler talking bout season tickets….ma’am this finna be you in a couple days don’t get them hopes up,” and included a gif of when Seahawks safety Jamal Adams was locked out of the Jets facility in 2018.
“Hahaha ima make sure I send you a video when I enter the building! All summer!” Wheeler replied.
The 5-foot-7 guard continued to remind others on X that she’s not going anywhere before calling it quits on her reply spree.
“Ok fr fr I am done!” she wrote. “My folks don’t like when I respond to yall but I be having to give yall some time cause I promise you it ain’t sweet over here! That little keyboard be saving yall.
“I’ll be back tomorrow let me finish answering text messages ! AINT NO FREE TICKETS.”
Clark, 22, declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft a day after she broke the women’s major-college scoring record with a 33-point performance at Minnesota on Wednesday.
She has 3,650 points and is 18 from passing LSU’s Pete Maravich, who holds the Division I overall record between men’s and women’s basketball with 3,667 points.
The 6-foot guard is currently leading the nation in scoring (32.2 PPG) and assists (8.7 APG), and has drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi out of UConn.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots as Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Janay Sanders (30) defends during the first half at Williams Arena on Feb 28, 2024.
Clark is set to play her final regular-season home game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena against Big Ten regular-season champion Ohio State on Sunday.
With Clark expected to team up with Aliyah Boston — Indy’s No. 1 pick out of South Carolina in the 2023 draft — the Fever are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Wheeler signed a multi-year contract with the Fever last February in her return to the team.
She originally played with the Fever from 2016-19, and was the MVP of the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game, her first and only All-Star appearance.
Indiana begins the season against the Sun in Uncasville, Conn. on May 14.
IOWA Women’s Basketball Does This Beautiful Sequence Without Caitlin Clark.
For those used to seeing Iowa score quickly on a Clark lob, drive or fade away 3, this almost seems like the squad is putting on a show.
Having watched the last two minutes & OT and highlights of the Iowa Nebraska game, I see a very ell coached team. Hawkeyes hung in there in the 1st half when Clark was below par.
In the second half Clark caught fire & Hawkeyes held Nebraska to 26 points in the second half. In last minutes all players made big plays – steals, shots, free throws, passes, …
I have watched this play dozens of times and it never gets old. The sheer joy and teamwork these young women play with is so fun to watch. They are winners no matter what the final score is.
Caitlin Clark’s growing popularity will impact WNBA’s expansion plans
The world of basketball has been buzzing with excitement as the meteoric rise of Iowa’s basketball sensation, Caitlin Clark, continues to captivate fans across the United States.
Not only is Clark’s journey a testament to her unparalleled talent, but it also serves as a beacon of optimism for the future of women’s basketball, particularly with regard to the WNBA’s expansion plans.
Caitlin Clark’s popularity transcends the college basketball courts, with her name becoming synonymous with excellence and excitement.
As Chicago Sky forward Brianna Turner aptly puts it, “Every year, you see, ‘Oh, this women’s team has this much more exposure.’ I feel like a lot of people just got introduced to basketball from seeing Caitlin Clark.”
Turner’s sentiments underscore the significant impact Clark’s rising star power has had on broadening the league’s appeal and fostering growth within women’s sports.
The WNBA, mirroring the upward trajectory of women’s basketball, has ambitious plans to expand to 14 teams by 2025.
Turner believes that Clark’s imminent entry into the WNBA could serve as a catalyst for further exposure and interest in the league.
The excitement surrounding Clark’s transition to the professional ranks aligns perfectly with the WNBA’s vision for growth and expansion.
Fever tickets expected to be through the roof
The anticipation surrounding Caitlin Clark’sWNBA draft prospects is palpable, with the Indiana Fever’s ticket offices witnessing a noticeable surge in inquiries and sales.
Dubbed “Clarkonomics” by basketball analyst Deb Antonelli, Clark’s ability to generate excitement and enthusiasm has reached unprecedented levels, sparking renewed interest in the Fever and the WNBA as a whole.
Clark’s impact isn’t confined to Indiana alone.
WNBA cities across the country, including Connecticut and Las Vegas, are experiencing a surge in ticket sales and anticipation ahead of Clark’s debut.
With nearly 800 tickets sold in 24 hours for the Sun’s season opener against the Fever, the excitement surrounding Clark’s arrival is unprecedented.