Unlike Caitlin Clark, Nika Muhl Loves Fever Star’s WNBA Problem: “Honestly, I Had No Idea”

Caitlin Clark enjoyed an impressive pre-season debut for Indiana Fever which saw her “effect” in full swing. But she also received a reality check about how the WNBA will be much more physical compared to college basketball. It is the one aspect she said she will have to adjust. On the other hand, former UConn PG Nika Muhl is relishing the challenge of WNBA’s physicality.

In a recent media interaction, the Seattle Storm player was asked about the difference between the two leagues, and her answer reflected how she is looking forward to what lies ahead.

Nika Muhl “very excited” for WNBA’s tough challenge

Muhl talked about the differences and dived in-depth into the temperament of her new coach Noelle Quinn. And this gave fans an inside view of the WNBA. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Seattle Storm as the 14th overall pick. Muhl is known for her aggressive defense which sometimes leads to more fouling. Of course, the relief for Muhl is that she can use her physicality in defense more often than she did in the NCAA.

“The difference, ooh! They’re physical. Much more physical, much more contacts allowed, which I like… I like that a lot. Six fouls, honestly? I had no idea that… that is the case. So, I’m like okay. I’m very excited about that,” Nika Muhl gushed. WNBA calls out fouling out after five personal fouls, hence Muhl will have some breathing space in that aspect. For Clark adjusting to the physicality of the league will be a bigger challenge.

After the Dallas Wings narrowly beat Indiana Fever, Clark stated “I think the biggest transition is the physicality. Everybody’s super physical. It doesn’t always get called.” Despite the challenge thrown her way, Clark scored 21 points with three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Even before her debut, Clark knew what to expect and where she will exactly have to improve.

Speaking to reports last week she said, “I think the physicality is probably going to be one of the biggest things for myself…Obviously, the college game, it was physical to an extent, but the people I’m going to be playing in this league are full-grown, very strong women. You’re going to get hit. You’re going to get bumped.”

Clark also talked about getting stronger mentally and physically in order to deliver. “People are going to defend you hard when you’re driving the ball to court. And I think just getting used to that physicality of the game will probably be one of the biggest things for myself to overcome is just mentally, but also physically is like, I’ll have to get stronger,” she added.

Interestingly, the pre season match at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas was a sellout, which hints at the “Caitlin Clark Effect” already taking over WNBA. But her comments on the physical nature of the game do take us back to WNBA legend Diana Taurasi’s assessment of what awaits Clark in the pro league.

Taurasi had said, “Reality is coming. You see it on the NBA side, and you’re going to see it on this side. You look superhuman playing against 18-year-olds, but you’re going to come play with some grown women that have been playing professional basketball for a long time.” Clark and her fans will hope that the former Hawkeyes player is able to step up.

Fans will get a glimpse of what lies in store for both Muhl and Clark when Seattle Storm will face Indiana Fever on May 22. Meanwhile, in her interview, Muhl also talked about being coached by a female for the first time.

Nika Muhl on coaching differences

As per Muhl, she has always been coached by males and this is the first time that under Noelle Quinn she will be coached by a female coach. During her time with the Huskies, she was coached by Geno Auriemma. Muhl was quick to remark that, “Coach Noelle is different from every coach I’ve had. she’s so calm. She’s… she’s really um she’s such a poised coach, and I love that energy. She’s my first female head coach that I’ve ever had in my life and I just love it, I love her energy.”

With Muhl stating her preferences, it will be interesting to watch what will go down when she clashes with Clark. While Muhl looks forward to getting more aggressive and physical, Clark might answer her with her classic threes. WNBA could already have interesting battle on its hands.