Caitlin Clark’s former coach reacts to her Team USA heroics

Caitlin Clark brought her long-range three-point shots to the world stage in their opening game at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

On Friday, Clark and Team USA kicked off their title defense at the World Cup against China. They dominated the Asian powerhouse with a 94-61 wire-to-wire victory. The national team banked on the outstanding game from the Indiana Fever superstar.

Clark produced a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists, with three rebounds and zero turnovers off the bench. This stat line was nearly on par with her current WNBA numbers of 22.5 points and 8.4 assists, evidence that Clark has carried her momentum intto the world championship.

Aside from the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year’s fine play, Team USA also got plenty of help on the offensive end. Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard also contributed with 14 points apiece, while Jackie Young chipped in another 12 points.

Iowa Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen praises Caitlin Clark 

Clark also showcased her deep range from the rainbow country, knocking down three three-pointers.

One of them was from way out, which became one of the highlight plays of the game. Additionally, that specific play prompted Clark’s former collegiate coach, Jan Jensen, to react on her X account.

“@CaitlinClark22 shot that one from… Berlin!” ,” Jensen wrote. “Regardless of the continent, those logo shots never get old, do they? Congrats on the W, Caitlin &being player of the game! Keep it rollin’! .”

@CaitlinClark22 shot that one from… Berlin! Regardless of the continent, those logo shots never get old, do they? Congrats on the W, Caitlin & being player of the game! Keep it rollin’!https://t.co/d9CR4E4nkO

— Jan Jensen (@goiowa) September 4, 2026

Before Clark became one of the biggest stars in the WNBA and was drafted first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she played under Jensen’s guidance. Jensen was promoted to head coach in Clark’s final season with the Hawkeyes.

During Clark’s four-year tenure with Iowa, she set records and earned numerous individual accolades. Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history with 3,951 points, had the most three-pointers with 548 and had the most three-pointers in a single year with 201 triples.

Related reading:

Fever react to Caitlin Clark’s historic World Cup debut

Angel Reese had 3 words for Paige Bueckers

Caitlin Clark singles out 1 Indiana Fever teammate

Stephanie White reveals most satisfying thing about coaching Fever   

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