The Indiana Fever will appear in the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since 2016.
For those keeping score at home: The Fever’s seven seasons out of the playoffs was the longest active drought in the WNBA.
One of the biggest reasons for the Fever’s success this season is because of the stellar play of WNBA Rookie of the Year Candidate, Caitlin Clark.
The first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and the league’s leader in assists, Clark’s been a gem statistically for the Fever.
Posting averages of 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.4 assists per contest, the 6-foot guard’s popularity has risen during her rookie campaign.
One person in Indy who has paid attention to Clark’s stride is Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin.
Franklin, who broke the Colts’ single-season tackle record last season by registering 179 tackles in 16 starts, shares that Caitlin Clark has handled her role in Indy with class and that he enjoys watching her in the Hoosier State.
“What I will say is I respect Caitlin just for her hunger for the game,” Franklin tells Scoop B Radio.
“When you watch her, see her, listen to her speak, you know she wants to win. Since she came in she has been nothing but a professional.”
The heart and soul of the Colts’ defense, Zaire Franklin was the Colts’ seventh round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Syracuse.
In addition to his 179 tackles last season, Franklin who is arguably one of the best traditional linebackers in the game currently also totaled 3 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, 6 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles last season.
Franklin also expects Clark to be in attaendance at a Colts game this season. “They’re going to give her the red carpet,” he tells Scoop B Radio.
“I have no doubt that she’s going to be doing the anvil! That’s our thing.
“She’ll 100% be there and do that sideline, probably the custom jersey.”
While the WNBA season is winding down and the Fever have stamped their ticket to the post season, Franklin and the Colts open up Week 1 of the NFL regular season at home against the Houston Texans.
When Franklin is not in practice or training, it’s a possibility that you may find him at home enjoying the Fever or watching other WNBA players like the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. “I think the WNBA is just in a moment right now,” Franklin tells Scoop B Radio.
“Rightfully so with Caitlin, Angel and the rest of the girls doing their thing. I’m pretty sure the ladies will figure it out at some point.”
