Hailey Van Lith. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Hailey Van Lith has eyebrow-raising response to Caitlin Clark-related question

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 16, 2025 7:39 PM ET

Hailey Van Lith was asked a Caitlin Clark-related question at the WNBA Draft earlier this week.

Van Lith was selected by the Chicago Sky with the No. 11 pick in this year's draft. Before her name was officially called by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, she was asked to start, bench and cut the following players: Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark.

Despite all that Clark accomplished with the Indiana Fever last season, Van Lith has Taurasi and Ionescu ahead of her.

"Give flowers to the legend. We're going to start Diana Taurasi," Van Lith said. "I'm going to bench Sabrina and cut Caitlin."

Some are convinced Van Lith was throwing shade at Clark by cutting her in this hypothetical scenario. For what it's worth, though, she has shown the NCAA's all-time leading scorer nothing but respect.

After Iowa defeated LSU in the Elite Eight in 2024, Van Lith praised Clark for her 41-point performance.

"She's very skilled, she's a great player," Van Lith told reporters. "She hit some tough shots, and there's not a whole lot you can do about some of the threes she hit."

In 2023, Van Lith gave Clark her flowers for eliminating Louisville from the NCAA Tournament.

"I think we're both great players. I love Caitlin and I respect her game so much," Van Lith said. "I think she's a great person who supports other players as well. She's always showing love, and I love that about her."

lmao the draftees were asked on who they'd start/bench/cut between caitlin, sabrina, and DT. saniya rivers said she's starting everybody and she's sitting on the bench pic.twitter.com/BzVIKwlbq8
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) April 15, 2025