Caitlin Clark’s New Title ‘Logo 3s’: A Closer Look at the Buzz

Caitlin Clark, the reigning National Player of the Year and star of the University of Iowa women’s basketball team, is known for her long-range shooting and impressive scoring ability. With two minutes left in the first quarter of a game against Northwestern, Clark grabbed a defensive rebound and sprinted up court. She had options ahead of her, but she pulled up about a foot beyond the arc and made a three-pointer, leaving little kids wearing her jersey screaming in excitement.

Clark’s signature long-range shots have wowed coaches, players, and fans across America, and have earned her the nickname “Logo 3s.” However, her deep three-pointers were once a source of contention between Clark and her coaches. Despite meetings with her high school coach, Kristin Meyer, about better shot selection, Clark had the confidence and work ethic to improve, going from averaging 15.3 points to 27.1 between her freshman and sophomore seasons at Dowling Catholic.

Clark’s impact on the game extends beyond her scoring ability. She is widely considered the best passer in college basketball and leads the nation in that statistical category. However, her deep three-pointers have the potential to cause problems for coaches, especially at the high school level. High school coaches are concerned that players trying to get recruited may attempt to emulate Clark’s range, even if they haven’t put in the reps like Clark.

Despite these concerns, high school coaches recognize the value of Clark’s confidence and work ethic. Christina Raiti, head coach of Long Island Lutheran, the No. 2 high school team in the nation, said of Clark, “I think her work-ethic is 100% unicorn-like.” Raiti also noted that Clark’s deep three-pointers are a part of her game, and that she encourages her players to take them if they have proven their ability to make them consistently.

Clark’s impact on the game goes beyond her scoring and passing ability. She is an “energy-giver” and elevates the people who play with her, making them better basketball players. High school coaches emphasize the importance of her mentality and work ethic, encouraging their players to approach the game with confidence and a willingness to take the big shot.

While some coaches think that scoring should be emphasized less by the media, especially when it comes to Clark, her numbers and style of play are already impacting the next generation of basketball players.

Clark’s impact on the game can be seen in the numbers. She shoots 40.1% from three-point range this season and 38.3% for her college career. While the leaders in women’s Division-I basketball this season shoot around 50% from long-distance, Clark has taken nearly 200 more three-pointers than many of those players. She is not just taking three-pointers, but she’s taking deep three-pointers, shooting 39.2% on shots that are 25-30 feet from the rim.

Clark’s impact on the game is also being felt by high school players. Syla Swords, a five-star recruit and verbal commit to Michigan, has earned the right to shoot deep three-pointers, but even she has a limit. “Maybe no logo 3s,” Raiti said. “That would be a little crazy. She might have to sit down for a little bit.” Swords herself thinks Clark is changing the perception of what is a good shot among coaches and younger players. “We haven’t seen someone like her before in the women’s game,” Swords said.

Alicia Komaki, coach at No. 6 Sierra Canyon, echoed this sentiment. While shooting from 25 feet may be a terrible shot for the majority of players, it’s not for Clark. “Caitlin’s numbers have proven that she’s able to shoot that shot like she can shoot a layup,” Komaki said. “You can’t argue that it’s not a good shot for Steph Curry and not a good shot for her.”

Clark’s impact on the game goes beyond her scoring ability. She is widely considered the best passer in college basketball and leads the nation in that statistical category. Her ability to create for her teammates and make those around her better is a testament to her skill and basketball IQ.

Despite the impact Clark is having on the game, some coaches are concerned about the emphasis on scoring in the media. “She’s willing to take the big shot and so we applaud the level of confidence in which she approaches the game with. We also talk about this idea that she puts the work in. That just doesn’t happen by accident,” said Sue Phillips of top-ranked Archbishop Mitty, who has coached players like three-time WNBA All-Star guard Danielle Robinson.