‘It’s exhausting’: Caitlin Clark makes honest admission ahead of World Cup debut

Caitlin Clark and Team USA are deep into preparations and will play their first game on Friday. They will face China in a Group D fixture, and the Indiana Fever star made an honest admission ahead of her FIBA World Cup debut.

The Americans have their sights set on winning their fifth straight world championship. The team is composed of WNBA stars, with Clark teaming up with Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Paige Bueckers, among others. She understands the amount of attention she will throughout the tournament but is more excited than nervous. The three-time All-Star has proven that she can perform at her best with many eyes focused on her, and is one of the MVP favorites this season.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on in the second half against the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Caitlin Clark shares feelings ahead of FIBA World Cup

Clark talked about being under the spotlight, especially in the world cup. She emphasized that she’s lucky as it’s a dream come true for her to be part of the national team.

“I think at the same time, I almost think about it another way,” Clark said. “Like, how lucky am I? This is pretty special and pretty cool, and there’s so many people that would kill to be in this spot and have this type of opportunity. Especially to play for the USA team, let alone play in the WNBA and live out your dream every single day. So I try to look at, look at it the other way and think about how lucky I am and how grateful I am.”

“Sure, there are moments where it’s exhausting and it’s a lot. There’s a lot of attention, but that’s what you sign up for and that’s what you dream of. More than anything, what gets you up to play every single day is the amount of fans that you get to play in front of and to help grow the game globally. So, I try to think about it in the most positive way I can.”

The competition will begin on Friday and end on Sept. 13. Analysts expect Clark to play a significant role, especially with her unlimited shooting range and elite playmaking.