Chiney Ogwumike talks Caitlin Clark's impact on sports, talks physicality of WNBA

ESPN host and analyst Chiney Ogwumike has something in common with Caitlin Clark. Both were #1 overall picks in the WNBA Draft. While Clark might be transforming the WNBA, Chiney knows what it's like to be the top pick and being initiated into the league by the vets as Clark faced earlier this season. Chiney shares how she got Diana Taurasi's respect, and why she believes Clark is the most impactful star in all of sports in a generation.

[shainsameer]

Respect for Chiney! She understands the game and approaches it with honesty, without jealousy, hate, or insecurity. We need more people like her who speak candidly without resorting to negative stereotypes. It's ridiculous that former basketball players who haven't contributed positively to the game and call themselves goats and dismiss or undermine the achievements of Caitlin Clark, rather than offering appreciation or advice.

[izvdpmo]

A beautiful honest woman, how refreshing

[saamainong]

That's all that was needed for CC fans, someone needed to speak the truth.

[Roshand-pltn]

Thats why CC is a generational talent.

[prvdhsj]

Respect for this lady. Thanks for your analysis.

[eveyrapp]

Love her honesty. This guy is down playing the fragrant fouls against CC.

[nikeyrawhide]

An honest opinion from a person who's been there, done it, and seen it all..that, I can respect. And she works for ESPN, makes it even more admirable//

[MickeyMouse-ulzl]

ESPN will probably fire this lady for saying positive things about CC and it would have been nice if anyone had given her that little bit of advice you received.

[kyoung]

I love chiney. She needs her own show on ESPN. She explains things to make them relatable & love her for it. Calls things out on any end if it’s wrong. She is so great.

[abetoyzsamtsirhc]

She's been handling situations like that since her highschool year as a freshman, , she's just raised right. Imagine what her fans of boys and girls would think if she goes getho on pregame and post-game interview, being humble is the best way to set an example to those kids. She talk trash too but where will you see her do in the hardwood, she knows it's a psychological part of the game. Making deep 3s and the crowd gets hyped specially in their away games is quite demoralizing to see as the opposing team not to mention making that shot in the last quarter in a close game, the audacity to make that shot, we love that, that's why we're a fan.

[laraby]

you know that prison basketball mentality these players have accepted hasnt worked to well for viewership and attendance for 28 years. Maybe its time to do something so athletic ability has room to shine. Quit this thug mentality of testing everyone and just let them play. It will pay off for everyone in the end.

[coldspring]

She is without doubt. The question is will she trade her soul for the love of money and power like most do?

[wqyhzqw]

Respect Chiney!
(Don't respect Chennedy.)

[JohnAWPBFL]

Chiney Ogwumike can expect a call in the very near future. She went off script. She's not supposed to say these great things about Caitlin.
Elle Duncan got a phone call a few days ago when she went off script and defended Caitlin against Swoopes’ made up stuff. Duncan had to basically retract what she said in defending Caitlin.
ESPN wants to give everyone a participation trophy and make everyone feel good instead of giving Caitlin her propers.

[mhungness]

Fever need to sign this woman. Will help build CAITLIN CULTURE.

[JuneHolloway]

We watch for skills not brawl ball. The kill what you eat mentality must evolve. The dinosaur's reign is over.

[stevevanderhoof]

Chiney’s a class act. Telling the truth and reality on Caitlin Clark. Watch over both of them….Lord. I watch WNBA basketball simply cuz of CC…am turning 77 tomorrow…was a 🏀 baller myself years ago….and still ❤ the game. Let the players be who they are..do what they have the ability to do …AND…
let the chips fall where they may. Stop the ridiculous physical attacks on CC….or any other player. Throw the attacking ballplayer out of the game. CC is changing the game..the
attendance..the money in the game for all ball -
players. LET THE GAME GROW AND GO FORWARD….

[martybarkley]

Besides being a generational talent who put the work into her game, CC's other smart move was getting a marketing degree. She knows that who you are is your brand on and off the court. This is why she focuses on basketball and doesn't get roped into controversial issues.
The players in the WNBA who will also benefit are those who understand how to market and brand themselves. The younger players understand this better due to NIL contracts.
CC is the model for all athletes in this generation.

[gregjames]

There's physical play and then there's a Piston mentality and behavior, that isn't basketball.

[galaxynight]

Chiney is an honest woman she tells it what it is, without rancor or envy unlike swoopes who is full of jealousy.