ESPN Excludes Caitlin Clark from Top-5 All-Time WCBB Players for Lack of National Championship: A Controversial Omission
In a surprising move, ESPN recently released its list of the top 5 women’s college basketball players of all time. The rankings were met with significant backlash, particularly from fans and analysts who believe that Caitlin Clark, despite her overwhelming individual success, deserved to be on the list.
The list, which featured Breanna Stewart, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Cheryl Miller in the top five spots, made headlines for one glaring omission—Caitlin Clark, a player widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in modern college basketball. Clark has been breaking records left and right, including her mind-boggling performances in both scoring and assists, making her one of the most exciting players to watch in the history of the sport.
However, the reason for her exclusion, according to ESPN, was her lack of a national championship—a criteria that appears to overshadow individual brilliance when it comes to ranking the greatest players of all time. While championships are undoubtedly important and a key indicator of success in the team-oriented world of college basketball, this exclusion raises several important questions about how we define greatness in sports.
A Closer Look at ESPN’s Top 5 WCBB Players
- Breanna Stewart – Stewart’s four NCAA championships with UConn and her ability to perform in the biggest moments of the tournament certainly solidified her place at the top. Her versatility, combined with her impact on both ends of the floor, makes her a clear choice for number one.
- Candace Parker – A two-time NCAA champion with Tennessee and one of the most complete players in the history of the game, Parker’s inclusion comes as no surprise. Her combination of size, skill, and leadership was unparalleled during her college career.
- Diana Taurasi – Taurasi led UConn to three national titles and is widely considered one of the most gifted and competitive players in college basketball history. Her ability to lead her team and perform on the big stage earned her a spot in the top three.
- Maya Moore – Moore’s dominance at UConn, where she led her team to two national championships, makes her a fixture in any all-time list. Her blend of scoring, defense, and leadership is tough to match.
- Cheryl Miller – Miller is often considered the original pioneer for women’s college basketball. She led USC to two NCAA titles and is regarded as one of the most dominant forces in the game’s history.
Why Caitlin Clark Deserves a Spot
Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, has already established herself as one of the most accomplished players of her generation. She broke numerous records during her time at Iowa, including becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history. Clark’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, along with her exceptional playmaking skills, has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in basketball history, men or women.
Her most recent season saw her lead Iowa to the NCAA championship game, further solidifying her place as a generational talent. While Clark hasn’t yet captured a national title, her individual accomplishments, including two Player of the Year awards, a National Player of the Year award, and her ability to elevate her team year after year, make a compelling case for her inclusion among the greatest players of all time.
Championships Aren’t the Only Measure of Greatness
It’s hard to ignore the notion that ESPN’s decision to exclude Caitlin Clark from the top 5 is rooted in an overemphasis on championships. While winning a national title is the ultimate goal in college basketball, it doesn’t always define a player’s greatness. Many all-time greats, like Clark, can single-handedly transform their teams and elevate the sport without the ultimate prize. Players like Clark inspire a new generation, and their influence and impact extend far beyond what can be measured on the scoreboard in a single game or tournament.
Moreover, Clark’s style of play has revolutionized women’s college basketball, pushing boundaries and bringing more attention to the sport. Her dominance from beyond the arc, her court vision, and her leadership have captivated audiences and helped raise the profile of the women’s game in ways that go beyond traditional metrics of success.
The Bigger Picture
While ESPN’s list might spark debate, it also serves as a reminder of how far women’s college basketball has come—and how far it still has to go in terms of truly appreciating the greatness of its athletes. Caitlin Clark is one of those players who not only excels on the court but also embodies the qualities of greatness that transcend statistics. Her legacy is already cemented, and regardless of whether she wins a national championship or not, she has proven herself to be one of the best to ever play the game.
In the end, greatness can’t always be defined by championships alone, and Caitlin Clark’s omission from ESPN’s list shouldn’t diminish her undeniable impact on women’s college basketball. Time will ultimately tell where she ranks in the all-time discussions, but one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is already a legend in her own right.
