Sweeping the Naismith Awards, Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink Reflect on Their Dreams Coming True

Published 04/04/2024, 8:13 AM EDT

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“A dream come true.” While it is a simple statement, it sounds a lot deeper when it comes from someone who has achieved the most out of their time. Something similar is the case with our 2024 National title holders. The Naismith committee named Caitlin Clark as the National Player of the Year and the Cardinals’ star Cameron Brink, the Defensive Player of the Year.

Despite snatching the biggest National awards in college basketball, Clark and Brink have proven they can stay humble. In fact, they called it their childhood dreams. To add more innocence to their well-deserved victories, they called their friendships with the teams their legacy.

When asked about her first love, defense on the floor, Brink had quite some pennies to spare. She said, “I like to think of myself as a blue-collar player. To get down on the floor for loose balls and play super hard. It means a lot that that’s being recognized.” Sending a message to the young girls aspiring to be like her, the 2021 NCAA champion said, “Keep pushing hard and that if I can do it, many other girls can do it.”

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The freshly minted DPOY did not forget the Naismith Committee and thanked them for the prestigious acknowledgment. Further, Brink gave a shout-out to her team. She also said that she is most proud of her relationships with her teammates and the coaches.

On another note, Brink also talked about Clark’s achievements. Cameron Brink said, “You watch her and you’re like ‘She’s really a generational talent.'” The two have previously played together on the team USA and have a good relationship with each other. In fact, she believes that Clark is light-hearted and funny.

Read More- “It’s a Shame”: Reactions Pour In as Cameron Brink Ends NCAA Career in Back-to-Back Ejections and Sweet 16 Loss

While the 3× Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year was completely down to earth, Clark was also right behind.

I’m having so much fun” Clark shines a light on her NCAA journey so far

Caitlin Clark winning the National Player of the Year award was inevitable. Grabbing accolades left, right, and center, Clark also bagged her second straight Naismith POY award. Describing her journey so far, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer said, “Being able to be here, preparing for the Final Four at the same time, getting to do all this fun stuff with my team. Couldn’t have scripted it better.”

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The sensational player will now enter her final week as a Hawkeye. Certainly, she is busy soaking in every second of the college basketball experience. But before she leaves, she has a heart-warming note. She said, “I hope more than anything, the friendships with my teammates are gonna last longer than any win ever will. That’s my legacy at Iowa.”

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Both Caitlin and Cameron Brink have committed to the WNBA to write their new stories through professional lenses. Both talented athletes have brought eyes to the women’s college basketball stage, given people hope, and inspired young girls to follow their dreams. While Cameron Brink is out of the March Madness run, Clark still has one title to win. What do you think their futures hold for them?

Read More- Stanford’s Hannah Jump Almost Breaks Down in Tears as Cameron Brink Reflects on NCAA Career and Sweet 16 Exit: “Still a Freshman”

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Written by:

Srashti Sharma

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Srashti Sharma is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, known for her in-depth researching skills. From the very first time that she heard about Kobe Bryant, she herself cultivated a Mamba Mentality. She loves the competitive nature of the sport which fuels her inner sportswoman.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth