The 2020-21 college basketball season was a memorable one for Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark. The freshman phenom put together a remarkable campaign, averaging an impressive 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. However, despite her impressive individual performance, the Hawkeyes fell short of their goal of winning the Big Ten title.
Clark was a force to be reckoned with from the start of the season, as she scored 20 or more points in each of her first nine games. She was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week four times during the season, and was selected as a finalist for the Naismith National Player of the Year award.
Despite Clark’s individual success, the Hawkeyes were unable to capture the Big Ten title. Iowa finished the regular season with a 14-12 record and a 9-11 mark in conference play, good for seventh place in the Big Ten standings. The Hawkeyes were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament by eventual champion Maryland.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Clark and the Hawkeyes, but there is no denying that Clark had an incredible season. She set numerous school records, including most points by a freshman in a single season (719) and most assists by a freshman in a single season (166). She also became just the second player in Big Ten history to average at least 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game in a single season.
Although Iowa fell short of its goal of winning the Big Ten title, there is no doubt that Caitlin Clark had an impressive freshman season. Her individual accomplishments are sure to be remembered for years to come, and she will undoubtedly be a key player for the Hawkeyes next season as they look to make another run at the Big Ten title.
