“Indiana Is the New Hollywood”: Caitlin Clark Smirks as “Veteran” Erica Wheeler Sets Fever’s Season Expectations

When Caitlin Clark first shared her thoughts on coming to the Indiana Fever, she had said that she is not a “city girl”. So being in Indiana is perfect for her. However, seems like the fans are now making Indiana The Place to be. With both the local professional basketball teams of the city looking forward to a bright future, what can the fans expect? The Fever’s veteran Erica Wheeler put the focus into words and established how Clark is the epicenter of the recent changes.

Indiana Pacers’ beat writer Scott Agness recently released a video with Wheeler addressing the reporters. Talking about the excitement revolving around the City, she said, “So, yesterday, I was on Twitter and someone said that ‘Indiana is the new Hollywood’. So, I thought it was pretty cool that people feel like it. When you think about Indiana, you think this is boring, there’s nothing to do. But now everyone wants to be in Indiana.”

While she admits that Indiana truly deserves the attention it is getting because they are hard-working, she did not leave the latest addition to the team out. Giving her flowers to Caitlin Clark, she said, “The organization is moving up and it’s a great feeling. Obviously, Caitlin Clark does play a big part of it. And she knows it. And she is embracing it in the best way possible.” 

When Clark was told about Wheeler’s comments, she couldn’t help but laugh and agree with her, saying, “I like that.” However, this is not the only note where the relationship between the two ends. Seems like the veteran has taken Clark under her wings and for a very special reason.

“I got you”: Erica Wheeler takes Caitlin Clark under her wing

The 5 ft 7 in guard for the Fever knows a few things about transitioning from college to the WNBA floor, especially because she was undrafted. Wheeler drew quite an image while pulling the analogy between going to a new school on the first day. Commenting on her action to make Caitlin Clark comfortable, she said, “I think oftentimes people forget that I’m a great person before a basketball player. So for me, as a big sister, I was like I’m gonna take the first step to let her know I’m here, I got you, whatever you need as your vet.”

Wheeler may have some words of wisdom for the stellar rookie but looks like she has more compliments for her. Applauding the gracefulness in Clark, the No.17 on Indiana roster said, “She is one of the biggest players in the world right now, and she don’t act like that. She’s just like ‘help me’ and you know it’s in a sweet way. There’s no ego at all. She’s not selfish. And can tell that she wanna be here and wants everyone around.”

The Miami native also accepted that Caitlin Clark is a high-caliber player but she still wants to learn. Seems like everyone is loving the jolly nature of Clark and how she is not just a competitor but also a learner. It will be interesting to see how the team turns out on the floor.