The basketball world is witnessing an exciting intersection of generations, as one of the WNBA’s greatest players, Maya Moore, speaks openly about the rising star Caitlin Clark in a revealing interview. Clark, who has been shattering records and rapidly rising to fame, has long cited Maya Moore as her basketball idol. Moore, known for her four WNBA championships, two NCAA titles at UConn, and Olympic gold medals, is one of the most influential players in women’s basketball history. Her opinion on the young star, as she reveals in a new ESPN interview, carries significant weight, and her advice could shape the future of Clark’s career.
Maya Moore, after stepping away from basketball at the peak of her career to focus on social justice work, now reflects on the new generation of talent like Caitlin Clark, who is bringing the women’s game to unprecedented heights. Moore is asked about Clark’s next step, and the legendary player’s response is far more than just praise for her skills. In fact, Moore’s words might offer a reality check for the young star, focusing on leadership development rather than merely athletic ability.
Clark’s meteoric rise in women’s basketball has earned her a reputation as one of the brightest talents in the game today. But Moore, while acknowledging Clark’s incredible scoring and court vision, emphasized that true greatness is about more than just dominating on the floor. The advice Moore offers is striking: “Next steps… gosh, in this generation, you have so many more challenges on how to handle yourself as an adult. You go through that whirlwind of being a senior in college transitioning into the WNBA, and then the next step is how to become just an even better leader.”
Moore continued, stressing that leadership is vital, and that a significant part of it is listening and learning from others—vets, coaches, and even peers. She expressed that for Clark to become the leader she’s capable of being, she must continue to develop these qualities. “A lot of that is walking the walk, not just talking the talk,” Moore added. This advice reveals that Moore sees Clark as a player already skilled in basketball, but now she must work on the off-court elements of leadership that will define her long-term legacy.
What makes this assessment particularly noteworthy is Moore’s insistence that leadership goes beyond traditional basketball skills. She’s not focusing on Clark’s incredible ability to score, her vision, or her passing, which have already been recognized as elite. Instead, Moore is pointing to the intangible qualities that will separate Clark from others in the game and help her become a player who can inspire and elevate her teammates. Moore’s advice is based on her own experience of being a role model and a leader—qualities that defined her legendary career.
This moment is not just a passing of the torch—it’s a recognition that the leadership and mental toughness that Moore displayed during her career are qualities that Clark must continue to develop in order to ascend to the next level. The leadership Moore embodies is about guiding others, maintaining balance amidst fame, and inspiring the next generation through actions, not just words.
The timing of Moore’s comments is also significant, coming after Clark’s stellar rookie season, where she faced a lot of pressure both on and off the court. The spotlight on Clark has intensified, with media attention and fan expectations reaching new levels. With defenses adjusting to her game, Moore’s focus on preparation and adaptability makes perfect sense. She recognizes that Clark will now face a new set of challenges that require more than just basketball IQ—they require emotional intelligence, mental resilience, and the ability to manage the spotlight.
Moore also subtly acknowledged the unique challenges women athletes face when they become the face of their sport, something that many of their male counterparts don’t fully experience. The expectations placed on Clark aren’t just athletic—they’re cultural. As Clark continues to build her brand, Moore’s insight could prove invaluable in navigating these waters.
What’s fascinating is Moore’s contrast in her assessments of other rising stars like Juju Watkins and Paige Bookers. While Moore lauds their technical prowess and individual talent, she notes that Clark needs to focus on the softer skills of leadership and personal growth. Watkins, for example, was praised for her physicality and all-around game, while Bookers received high praise for her poise and selflessness. The difference in Moore’s comments about Clark speaks volumes about how she views Clark’s journey—not just as an individual talent but as someone capable of elevating the game as a whole.
As for Clark, hearing these words from Maya Moore must be incredibly significant. To be recognized by one of the game’s all-time greats as someone with the potential to be an even better leader is an endorsement that cannot be overstated. It’s clear that Moore believes Clark has already made a massive impact, but her future depends on how well she cultivates the leadership and emotional resilience necessary to handle the pressures of being at the top.
This moment is a fascinating cross-generational dialogue within women’s basketball. Moore, who paved the way for Clark’s current success, recognizes the challenges and offers guidance that transcends the game itself. It’s about legacy, responsibility, and growth—not just on the court, but as a leader within the sport and beyond. Whether or not Clark embraces Moore’s advice, one thing is certain: the trajectory of women’s basketball is being shaped by figures like Moore, and the next generation—led by Clark—has an exciting road ahead.
