Dawn Staley led the South Carolina Gamecocks to a flawless season, clinching victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA championship game. However, Staley faced criticism from Jason Whitlock, who accused her of being disingenuous. Despite nearly achieving a storybook ending to her NCAA career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Clark received praise from basketball fans, including Staley. However, Whitlock criticized Staley for withholding praise until her own team’s victory was assured, suggesting her subsequent commendation lacked sincerity and insinuating she may have hoped for the Hawkeyes’ defeat to alleviate pressure.

“Dawn Staley run out here, pretend like, continue this gimmick that you love god and that you know Caitlin Clark is great,” Whitlock said. “You know how long ago Dawn Staley could’ve told everybody, “Hey, get up offCaitlin Clark’s back”. Do you know how long ago she could’ve done that?

“But she waited until after she won the championship. Caitlin Clark gets abused all season, everybody’s trying to diminish her, Dawn Staley is quiet. Now that I [Staley] got my championship, now god is good… and god answers all prayers and all.”

The Hawkeyes’ pay tribute to Clark

Clark has encountered substantial criticism during her journey through the NCAA, but as she transitions to the NCAA Draft, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Holding the outright records for most points by a man or woman, she averaged 31.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game this season. In a final tribute, the Hawkeyes will retire her shirt number, underscoring her immense impact on college basketball and her role in advancing women’s basketball while amassing a devoted following.

“We always knew your jersey would be hanging in the rafters,” Beth Goetz, sporting director, said via The Gazette. “It is a privilege for me to now make that official.

“You will be the last to wear No. 22.”