Caitlin Clark Scoring Record Watch

[wbbhoops278]

I watched some of Arkansas last week and she doesn’t move at UConn speed most of the time. I can see why she left.

Really? This is so disrespectful. As if "UConn speed" is some elite thing. She's averaging a double double with about 13 rebounds, and almost 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks per game. I've seen two of their games and to me, she seemed to hustle as much as anyone. She's allowed to have her reasons for leaving and they aren't invalid. Some of y'all bitter as F.

 

[Plebe]

I'm not sure how the Caitlin Clark scoring record watch thread got derailed into a discussion about an Arkansas player, but nonetheless:

Clark returned from Christmas break today with a 35-point output against Minnesota. That brings her career total to 5th on the all-time NCAA D1 list with 3,149 points. The only players ahead of her are Britney Griner (3,283), Jackie Stiles (3,393), Kelsey Mitchell (3,402) and Kelsey Plum (3,527).

Clark also had 10 assists, which makes her the Big Ten's all-time career assists leader.

 

[bballnut90]

I'm not sure how the Caitlin Clark scoring record watch thread got derailed into a discussion about an Arkansas player, but nonetheless:

Clark returned from Christmas break today with a 35-point output against Minnesota. That brings her career total to 5th on the all-time NCAA D1 list with 3,149 points. The only players ahead of her are Britney Griner (3,283), Jackie Stiles (3,393), Kelsey Mitchell (3,402) and Kelsey Plum (3,527).

Clark also had 10 assists, which makes her the Big Ten's all-time career assists leader.

If my math is correct she's also now 11th all time in career assists and 11th all time in career 3pt makes.

 

[The deacon]

If my math is correct she's also now 11th all time in career assists and 11th all time in career 3pt makes.

Caitlin's 35-point, 10-assist game was the 8th of her career.... by way of comparison, according to ESPN, that 35, 10 double has been accomplished just 10 other times by all other NCAA DI players in the last 25 seasons! Crazy...

 

[Bjbod]

Caitlin's 35-point, 10-assist game was the 8th of her career.... by way of comparison, according to ESPN, that 35, 10 double has been accomplished just 10 other times by all other NCAA DI players in the last 25 seasons! Crazy...

https://x.com/B1Gwbball/status/1741201143072456879?s=20

Impressive 15 second sequence in her game.

 

[Plebe]

It seems this thread is due for an update.

Clark's not-so-subtle 40 points vs. Michigan State brings her to 3,189 points on her college career. She'll likely pass Griner for 4th in three or four more games, and at her current season clip of 31.7 ppg she would pass Plum (3,527) in mid-February.

 

[Plebe]

None of the fireworks of the other night; just a ho-hum triple-double by Caitlin (29-10-10) — in 29 minutes of play against a dreadful Rutgers team — to bring her total to 3,218 points. She's now 55 points behind Griner, and has a good chance of passing her in the next two games.

 

[Vowelguy]

Clark needs 183 pts to pass Mitchell for 2nd place all time. 6-7 games?

Plum / Mitchell / Stiles / Griner / Clark

310 to pass Plum. Needs to average 22.1 in the remaining regular season games to do so.

 

[Plebe]

Clark's 26 points vs. Purdue brings her career total to 3,244.

She's now 39 points behind Griner (3,283) for 4th all-time and 287 behind Plum (3,527). Probably 9 or 10 games away from the record.

 

[VA Huskie]

Is anyone else annoyed at the seeming “push” to produce triple doubles? Clark is an incredible player and I love watching her. But to play 35 minutes in a game her team easily won - and get a triple D, with 10 rebounds and 10 assists… well it seems to me that they are playing to get her the triple. I often felt that that was done for Kelsey Plum as well. I haven’t seen most of her games (or Plums for that matter), so I may be way off base. What do others think?

 

[Plebe]

Is anyone else annoyed at the seeming “push” to produce triple doubles? Clark is an incredible player and I love watching her. But to play 35 minutes in a game her team easily won - and get a triple D, with 10 rebounds and 10 assists… well it seems to me that they are playing to get her the triple. I often felt that that was done for Kelsey Plum as well. I haven’t seen most of her games (or Plums for that matter), so I may be way off base. What do others think?

I don't see it that way.

Iowa was only up 15 with about 5 minutes to play, so this wasn't a blowout like the Rutgers game, where Clark played 29 minutes (and also had a triple-double).

There have been plenty of games where Clark played fewer minutes with no triple-double. So if there's a concerted "push" they're certainly hiding it well.

I'm guessing you're thinking of Ionescu rather than Plum, since Sabrina was the triple-double queen.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I'm guessing you're thinking of Ionescu rather than Plum, since Sabrina was the triple-double queen.

I had to look this up to make sure I wasn't about to mispeak. During Ionescu's Senior year, when there was much kvetching on the BY about her minutes, for UConn Walker, Williams and Dangerfield all played more MPG than Sabrina did. I was very much amused by that.


Plum certainly wasn't chasing triple doubles but played a whole bunch of minutes. Averaged 37 mpg for her career. Never varied much from Fr. thru Sr. season. So it wasn't about Neighbors playing her extra her Sr. year to get the scoring record. Unless he had the foresight to think she had a shot at right at the beginning of her first year.

 

[Bjbod]

Is anyone else annoyed at the seeming “push” to produce triple doubles? Clark is an incredible player and I love watching her. But to play 35 minutes in a game her team easily won - and get a triple D, with 10 rebounds and 10 assists… well it seems to me that they are playing to get her the triple. I often felt that that was done for Kelsey Plum as well. I haven’t seen most of her games (or Plums for that matter), so I may be way off base. What do others think?

I think Coach Bluder is aware of Caitlin's stats and I'm sure there have been times she's left her in a few extra minutes just to give her a chance to get a double/triple-double. That being said, they also know that the sellout crowds--especially on the road--are there to see CC play and that's another reason she stays on the court late when they're up 20+. Teams that average 3000 fans/game are selling out their arenas, and it's not to see the rest of the Iowa team.

 

[bballnut90]

Is anyone else annoyed at the seeming “push” to produce triple doubles? Clark is an incredible player and I love watching her. But to play 35 minutes in a game her team easily won - and get a triple D, with 10 rebounds and 10 assists… well it seems to me that they are playing to get her the triple. I often felt that that was done for Kelsey Plum as well. I haven’t seen most of her games (or Plums for that matter), so I may be way off base. What do others think?

It's becoming pretty par for the course whenever anyone accomplishes individual milestones. Ionescu as mentioned was routinely left in games so she could hit the triple double mark. In one interview she even mentioned she missed a shot on purpose just so she could grab another rebound. Dawn did it with Aliyah Boston for her double double streak, Bluder is doing the same for Clark when the game isn't in question. I personally don't love the emphasis on stats over normal flow of a game but I can't hate on it. The fact that Clark/Ionescu can consistently rack up triple double numbers on any given night is remarkable even if sometimes it feels forced.

 

[VA Huskie]

I don't see it that way.

Iowa was only up 15 with about 5 minutes to play, so this wasn't a blowout like the Rutgers game, where Clark played 29 minutes (and also had a triple-double).

There have been plenty of games where Clark played fewer minutes with no triple-double. So if there's a concerted "push" they're certainly hiding it well.

I'm guessing you're thinking of Ionescu rather than Plum, since Sabrina was the triple-double queen.

Good points. And yes, I was thinking of Ionescu

 

[Vowelguy]

5. Clark, Iowa (2020-24): 3,244
4. Griner, Baylor (2009-13): 3,283 ==> 39 pts ==> 1-2 games
3. Stiles, MoSt (1997-2001): 3,393 ==> 149 pts ==> 5-7 games
2. Mitchell, OhioSt (2014-18): 3,402 ==> 158 pts ==> 5-7 games
1. Plum, Washington (2013-17): 3,527 ==> 283 pts ==> 9-14 games

 

[MSSportsGuy]

It's becoming pretty par for the course whenever anyone accomplishes individual milestones. Ionescu as mentioned was routinely left in games so she could hit the triple double mark. In one interview she even mentioned she missed a shot on purpose just so she could grab another rebound. Dawn did it with Aliyah Boston for her double double streak, Bluder is doing the same for Clark when the game isn't in question. I personally don't love the emphasis on stats over normal flow of a game but I can't hate on it. The fact that Clark/Ionescu can consistently rack up triple double numbers on any given night is remarkable even if sometimes it feels forced.

Oklahoma did the same with Courtney Paris and her double-double streak. It can get a little tiresome but the numbers are overall impressive from all these players.

 

[Plebe]

It's becoming pretty par for the course whenever anyone accomplishes individual milestones. Ionescu as mentioned was routinely left in games so she could hit the triple double mark. In one interview she even mentioned she missed a shot on purpose just so she could grab another rebound. Dawn did it with Aliyah Boston for her double double streak, Bluder is doing the same for Clark when the game isn't in question. I personally don't love the emphasis on stats over normal flow of a game but I can't hate on it. The fact that Clark/Ionescu can consistently rack up triple double numbers on any given night is remarkable even if sometimes it feels forced.

I perused previous Iowa box scores to look for games where Caitlin came close to a triple-double in sub-average minutes (indicating a lack of a stats-hunting agenda when a trip-dub was in reach):

— 28-10-7 in 24 minutes vs. FDU
— 35-10-6 (plus 7 steals) in 31 minutes vs. Drake
— 21-6-6 in 26 minutes vs. FGCU
— 24-11-7 in 32 minutes vs. Bowling Green

As @bballnut90 says, it's become pretty SOP for coaches to let a star player reach a benchmark stat when it's within reach, and I don't doubt it sometimes happens with Clark, but I'm not seeing this as an egregious case.

Also, as @Bjbod points out, fans at road games show up in droves just to see Clark play. The Rutgers gym, of all places, was filled with little girls carrying creative signs such as “Caitlin Is My Roman Empire” — should Caitlin not play the entire second half just because her team was up by 30?

 

[oldhusky]

I think the greatest threat to Clark not breaking Plum's record this year is more health than the opposition. We can all do the math assuming minimal games, as in one conference tournament game, and one NCAA game, but it is far more likely she will get several more than that, and when she is close, I'm sure there will be a badly veiled attempt by the team and coaches to get her there.

If it is close she will get a few more minutes and have more plays run for her. I think most programs would do that for a player approaching a major milestone. But one twisted ankle or of course a more serious injury could take it away.

Sorry as a Uconn fan I can't take health as a given after the last three years.

 

[Vowelguy]

Iowa has a minimum 15 games (13 RS + conf and ncaa tourneys). Needs to avg 18.9 ppg. (This season shes avg 31.0 and 27.7 for career.)

She will have no problem getting the record, which will reduce any pressure coaches might feel to ‘get’ her more points/minutes.

 

[visitingcock]

I’m more interested in how many butts she puts in Big Ten opponents seats this year. The total attendance record for a year is gonna fall ( not home attendance)

 

[Vowelguy]

Clark with 30 vs Indi.

5. Clark, Iowa (2020-24): 3,274
4. Griner, Baylor (2009-13): 3,283 ==> 9 pts ==> 1 game
3. Stiles, MoSt (1997-2001): 3,393 ==> 119 pts ==> 4-6 games
2. Mitchell, OhioSt (2014-18): 3,402 ==> 128 pts ==> 4-6 games
1. Plum, Washington (2013-17): 3,527 ==> 253 pts ==> 8-12 games

Iowa has 12 RS games left.

 

[Plebe]

With a relatively quiet 32 points vs Wisconsin, Clark blows by Griner for 4th all-time.

She's now at 3,306 points, which at her current scoring pace would take her past Plum in another 8 or 9 games.

 

[Vowelguy]

32 vs Wisc

4. Clark, Iowa (2020-24): 3,306
3. Stiles, MoSt (1997-2001): 3,393 ==> 87 pts ==> 3-4 games
2. Mitchell, OhioSt (2014-18): 3,402 ==> 96 pts ==> 3-4 games
1. Plum, Wash (2013-17): 3,527 ==> 221 pts ==> 7-10 games

Iowa has 11 RS games left

 

[bballnut90]

Barring injury she has a great shot at Maravich's record too. If she keeps up a 31ppg pace, she'll eclipse his record (3,667) in the first game of the Big Ten Tournament.

She likely would be on pace to hit 4,000 for her career if not for the 8ish games lost due to covid.

 

[typhaon]

she has another year of eligibility, right? what's the incentive to not use it? i'd think she's a lot more popular and capable of generating FAR more NIL $$$ being a mega-star in college than playing in the WNBA.

 

[Vowelguy]

she has another year of eligibility, right? what's the incentive to not use it? i'd think she's a lot more popular and capable of generating FAR more NIL $$$ being a mega-star in college than playing in the WNBA.

Dunno. Maybe.

I imagine that a lot of her advertising deals would still carry on while she's in the W. And then she'd also get to play overseas next winter and bring in the big $$ there.

Also, not everyone wants to spend extra time in school.

 

[The deacon]

she has another year of eligibility, right? what's the incentive to not use it? i'd think she's a lot more popular and capable of generating FAR more NIL $$$ being a mega-star in college than playing in the WNBA.

Dunno. Maybe.

I imagine that a lot of her advertising deals would still carry on while she's in the W. And then she'd also get to play overseas next winter and bring in the big $$ there.

Also, not everyone wants to spend extra time in school.

None of us knows about Caitlin's plans, probably including her, but I suspect an important factor might be that her best friend, Kate Martin, as well as Gabbie Marshall and Molly Davis will have used all of their eligibility.

Yes, there would be talent returning, but especially Kate and Gabbie have been her running mates there throughout Caitlin's career.

 

[bballnut90]

Another record to watch is Kelsey Plum's 1,109 points in a single season. Clark is currently at 589 and needs 521 to overtake Plum.

If she gets to the Big Ten Championship (which seems quite likely right now), she'll have 15 games played going into the NCAA tournament. If Iowa makes at least the Sweet 16 (18 games left), she'll need to average 28.9 ppg to break the record. If she makes the Elite 8 (19 games), she'll need to average 27.4 the rest of the way. And if she makes the final four (20 games left) she'll need to average 26.1 ppg.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Yikes. It's a foregone conclusion Clark is going to break the career scoring record, I'm good with that. I'd like to see Plum keep the single season record though. Second year in a row someone is making a run at that.