Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has not been shy to admit that WNBA legend Maya Moore was an idol of hers growing up.
Clark has become one of the biggest and brightest figures in the sport, but even she was starstruck when Moore showed up to watch her break the NCAA's all-time scoring record back in March.
Clark was fielding a pregame interview with ESPN's Elle Duncan when Moore presented herself to the future record holder. Clark's shriek tells you all need to know about how much Moore means to her.
Caitlin Clark met her idol Maya Moore ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kqz9p9RZY8
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) March 3, 2024
Now, the WNBA star is receiving comparisons to her favorite player. Former Iowa head coach Lisa Blunder likened Clark's impact on women's basketball to Moore's.
"She is definitely making a difference in kids’ lives. For her, Maya Moore was a huge role model growing up. So now, she’s the Maya Moore of this generation, and she understands that," Blunder said of her former player.
“She understands how important that was to her — to get that autograph after the game, to get that hug, to take that picture with … I just think it’s off the court, she’s so genuine. She’s so giving of her time, and she’s really an honest — and just the passion and the joy she plays with is so special.”
Blunder's comments caused a stir on social media for a few different reasons. Not only did Moore win two NCAA titles and four WNBA championships, but she was also a pioneer in her advocacy for criminal justice reform.
While it is clear that Blunder was referencing Clark's effect on growing the sport, the comparison rubbed some people the wrong way.
How do the two compare on the court? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
MORE: Magic Johnson has legendary praise for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
Caitlin Clark vs. Maya Moore stats
It is impossible to compare complete resumes because Clark is just a rookie and Moore was as accomplished as any WNBA player ever in only eight seasons.
Moore won four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx, earning one Finals MVP and one league MVP before she retired at the age of 29.
Take a look at how the 2011 Rookie of the Year's season compares to Clark's so far.
| Maya Moore's rookie season | Stat | Caitlin Clark's rookie season |
| 2011 | Year | 2024 |
| 34 | GP | 18 |
| 28.0 | MPG | 33.7 |
| 13.2 | PPG | 16.3 |
| 43.9 | FG% | 39.9 |
| 36.9 | 3P% | 35.2 |
| 4.6 | RPG | 5.4 |
| 2.6 | APG | 6.6 |
| 1.4 | SPG | 1.5 |
| 1.5 | TOV | 5.6 |
| WNBA Champions | Team Result | TBD |
MORE: Clark, A'ja Wilson lead first 2024 WNBA All-Star fan vote returns
Why did Maya Moore retire from WNBA?
Moore played her final WNBA game in 2018 but officially retired from basketball in 2023.
The Lynx star stepped away from the game at the age of 29 to help fight for criminal justice reform in the United States. She helped overturn a wrongful 50-year sentence for her now-husband, Jonathan Irons, who was detained for "a non-fatal shooting of a homeowner" when he was 16.
"A judge threw out his convictions in March [2020], citing a series of problems with the case, including a fingerprint report that had not been turned over to Irons' defense team," according to The Guardian.
“Well, I think it’s time to put a close to the pro basketball life,” Moore told "Good Morning America" in 2023.
“I walked away four seasons ago but wanted to officially retire. This is such a sweet time for us and our family. The work we’ve done. I want to continue that in our next chapter. Be home for my community and family. ... That’s what I’m moving into. Hanging it up.”
Moore left the WNBA as a four-time champion, one-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP and the Lynx's franchise leader in points per game, 3-point field goals and steals.
