“Was Here to Support Caitlin Clark”: A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces Welcome Kate Martin as No. 1 WNBA Draft Pick Hypes Iowa Teammate

The Las Vegas Aces has a surprise for all the Iowa fans. Getting a shot at picking the 18th overall pick in Monday night’s WNBA Draft, two-time back-t0-back WNBA champions decided to go with Caitlin Clark’s talented teammate Kate Martin. After spending six years with the Hawkeyes, the talented point guard will now have a chance to play alongside the charismatic A’ja Wilson.

Being among the 15 players not getting an invite for the draft, Martin was present at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to extend her support to her teammate and the No.1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark. However, things took a delightful turn when the Aces made her inclusion with the franchise official.

Martin is now the second Iowa player after Megan Gustafson to be a part of this prestigious team.

Following this, she spared a thought on the emotions that were running through at that moment. Talking to Holly Rowe, she said, “I was here to support Caitlin, but I was hoping to hear my name called. All I wanted was an opportunity, and I got it. I’m really excited to get there, and I know I’m going to give it all I got.”

Soon after, Clark couldn’t hide her excitement and tweeted to show her elation.

The former No. 20 of the Hawkeyes has quite a resume in her college basketball days. As it turns out, she is the first Hawkeye to have 900+ points, 500+ rebounds, 400+ assists, 120+ steals, and 60+ blocks next to her name. Moreover, after Caitlin Clark and Sam Logic, she is the only player to garner 1,200+ points, 700+ rebounds, and 450+ assists for the program.

Seemingly, Clark was not the only one who was overjoyed by Martin being drafted into the Aces.

Lisa Bluder takes pride in Kate Martin’s selection

Moments after Las Vegas announced the inclusion of Kate Martin in their roster, head coach Lisa Bluder explicitly expressed her thrill to the media. In an official statement, she said, “I’m so proud of Kate because her dreams came true. She has been such a big part of our program over the last six years. Her efforts did not go unnoticed by her peers. I wish Kate all the success with this next step.”

Both the immaculate ballers from the Iowa locker room had a huge night. With their respective careers taking them to different franchises, fans would love to see a face-off between the two. The chances of which are more than likely in the upcoming weeks.

What are your thoughts on Kate Martin being drafted into the Aces?