Caitlin Clark could have a brand new head coach coming into her sophomore season within the WNBA, because the Indiana Fever employed Stephanie White to interchange Christie Sides.
White spoke with reporters after being launched because the Fever’s subsequent coach, and naturally, questions on how she will likely be utilizing Clark and the remainder of the Fever gamers subsequent season.
White, an Indiana native who gained Indiana Miss Basketball in 1995, first defined her understanding of what followers anticipate the Fever to be subsequent 12 months: a profitable franchise.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
From left to proper, Indiana Fever Chief Working Officer and Common Supervisor Amber Cox, Fever head coach Stephanie White, and Fever President of Basketball Operations Kelly Krauskopf pose for a photograph on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 after a press convention introducing White because the group’s subsequent head coach. (IMAGN)
“Expectations are higher, the game is different, the players are better,” she stated, per Yahoo Sports activities, with Clark, Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull all in attendance. “We have to be forward-thinking.”
Ahead-thinking means being inventive with the basketball, which runs by Clark because the group’s level guard.
“We can utilize more versatility, use players in different ways,” White added. “It’s a high-IQ team with the freedom to make plays.”
TRUMP PRAISES CAITLIN CLARK WHILE TALKING PAY EQUITY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS: ‘SHE’S UNBELIEVABLE’
Whereas offense is what creates the highlights for the Fever, particularly with Clark launching three-pointers and breaking information within the course of, White is aware of {that a} true contender within the WNBA must be sturdy defensively.
The Fever realized that once they have been ousted by the Connecticut Solar in simply two video games to finish their playoffs rapidly. White, who coached that Solar squad final season, has beforehand served because the Fever’s head coach from 2015-16.
Nonetheless, White finds worth in figuring out this Fever group had that feeling of constructing the playoffs, leaving them hungry for extra this upcoming season.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark attends the press convention welcoming Stephanie White because the group’s new head coach on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, held on Salesforce Court docket at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)
“There’s never a substitute for experience,” White stated. “This is a young roster that gained valuable experience through the course of the season.”
Based mostly off White’s opening feedback, it seems Clark and the remainder of the Fever group will likely be allowed fluidity when it comes to scoring on the offensive finish as an alternative of being in a inflexible, play-based scheme.
That might profit Clark, who averaged 19.2 factors, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds in her rookie season, as she would have autonomy to play on the fly, adjusting to what the protection is giving her.
Nonetheless, that type additionally requires sturdy chemistry with gamers on the courtroom, like Boston, Hull and others, ensuring they’re on the identical web page when issues don’t go in accordance with plan.
The Indiana Fever welcomes Stephanie White as their new head coach on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 throughout a press convention held on Salesforce Court docket at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (IMAGN)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Both approach, White could have a brilliant highlight given the recognition the Fever has gotten with Clark becoming a member of them because the No. 1 total decide of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Comply with Fox Information Digital’s sports activities protection on X, and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle publication.
