Just weeks into her WNBA journey, Caitlin Clark continues to make headlines — not just for her game, but for her resilience. Following a minor injury scare during preseason play, the Indiana Fever star sat down for a candid interview, providing fans with a much-needed update on her health, her mindset, and her early transition into the league.

Angel Reese, Sky to Play Caitlin Clark, Fever at United Center During 2025  WNBA Season

At the same time, longtime ESPN broadcaster Ryan Ruocco made waves with a powerful statement during a recent podcast appearance, saying:
“Caitlin’s ascent has actually been underrated. People talk about her popularity, but not enough about how good she really is.”

Reese, Clark to meet in bigger arena when Sky host Fever - Sportsnet.ca

Let’s break down what Caitlin said about her injury, how the media is framing her rise, and what it all means heading into the WNBA regular season.

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Caitlin Clark Injury Update: “I’m Feeling Good”

During the interview, Clark was calm, collected, and transparent. She confirmed that the injury she sustained — a light knock in a preseason game — was nothing serious, calling it “just a little soreness” and reassuring fans that she expects to be 100% ready for opening night.

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese headline WNBA All-Star team that will face US  Olympic squad

“It’s part of the game,” Clark said. “I’ve dealt with worse, and I know how to take care of my body. We’ve got a great medical team here, so I’m in good hands.”

The Fever organization echoed the sentiment, saying Clark’s situation is being monitored as a precaution, but there’s no concern about her availability for the regular season.

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Ryan Ruocco: “Her Greatness Is Being Taken for Granted”

While much of the media focuses on Caitlin’s fame — the sold-out arenas, jersey sales, and media buzz — ESPN play-by-play voice Ryan Ruocco emphasized something deeper: her skill level is being overlooked in all the noise.

Caitlin Clark's top-10 moments of her career before the scoring record

“Everyone’s talking about Caitlin the celebrity, but not enough are talking about Caitlin the basketball player. She’s not just popular — she’s historic. Her vision, her range, her pace… it’s elite stuff,” Ruocco said.

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He noted how quickly Clark has adjusted to the physicality and speed of the WNBA, calling her debut performances “incredibly mature” and “tactically sharp for a rookie.”

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What This Means for the Fever and the League

As the WNBA prepares for what may be one of its most-watched seasons ever, Caitlin Clark sits at the center of the movement — not just as a rookie, but as a cultural lightning rod for the sport.

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Her return to full strength is crucial for a Fever squad looking to rebuild around her and Aliyah Boston, and with the media spotlight growing brighter, voices like Ruocco’s are helping to refocus the narrative on basketball, not just branding.

 

 Final Thought: Believe the Hype — But Respect the Game

Caitlin Clark is already one of the most talked-about names in basketball — but as Ruocco points out, that talk often overshadows just how skilled and prepared she is. Her injury scare looks to be behind her, and if preseason glimpses are any indication, she’s ready to lead, elevate, and disrupt the WNBA in a big way.