'I changed my mind on Caitlin Clark after watching her play just one WNBA game'

Phoenix Mercury icon Diana Taurasi initially doubted abilities to rock the WNBA in her debut season. She ribbed Clark's passionate support base over the summer, suggesting that the University of Iowa sensation would encounter challenges adjusting to the professional stage despite her record-smashing college career.

Yet when the Indiana Fever clashed with Mercury in late June, the 22-year-old standout's performance compelled Taurasi to swallow her sceptical words.

Clark dazzled on the court, notching up 15 points, prompting a rapturous response from Taurasi, who expressed her admiration post-game: "It's amazing what Caitlin's been able to do in her short career. So far, just been nothing short of remarkable."

The basketball veteran admired Clark's dedication and progress: "The one thing that I really love about her, she loves the game. You can tell she's put the work in. And even throughout her short WNBA career, it's been a lot of pressure, a lot of things thrown at her, and she keeps showing up and keeps getting better every single game."

Before their anticipated face-off, however, Taurasi had been less flattering, comparing Clark's transition to the big leagues to the simplistic academic step from kindergarten to primary school.

In an engaging exchange on SportsCenter, she amusingly remarked: "Reality is coming, there's levels to this thing. And that's just life, we all went through it.

"You look superhuman playing against some 18-year-olds but you're going to come [play] with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.

"Not saying it's not gonna translate, because when you're great at what you do, you're just gonna get better. But there is gonna be a transition period, where you're gonna have to give yourself some grace as a rookie.

"It's kind of like when you go [from] kindergarten to first grade, there's a learning adjustment. When you go from high school to college, there's a learning adjustment."

Prodded to elaborate on her stance, she continued: "I don't think I said anything that's factually incorrect. Like anything, greatness is going to translate. And she's proven that at every level. I don't see why that's going to be any different in the WNBA."

Clark is poised to venture into a fresh challenge - golf. She's preparing to compete in the Pro-Am at The Annika driven by Gainbridge event, ready to hit the links with World No. 1 LPGA sensation Nelly Korda.