Togetherness and trust – those are the mantras Indy basketball is feeding off right now. While the Pacers are soaking in the glory of their first Finals appearance in over two decades, the Fever are building something special of their own. Sure, they’ve had their ups and downs, and yes, Caitlin Clark is currently sidelined. But that hasn’t stopped the energy. If anything, it’s only made their bond stronger. Both teams have been riding the wave of chemistry, the kind that starts in locker rooms, on team flights, and translates to the court. 

And all this while, social media keeps giving us the cutest sneak peeks into that friendship. This one, though, hits a little differently. Because currently, it’s not just about what they’re doing on the hardwood – it’s about showing up for one another in every aspect. On the court, off the court, business moves, personal milestones, the whole package. 

Remember that time the Fever switched up the bridesmaids game and threw the most heart-melting engagement surprise for Lexie Hull? Well, this week, another celebration was in order. Hull just dropped some pretty exciting news: she’s launching her very own basketball camp this summer. The Fever guard is taking her leadership from the court straight into the gym with a new generation of hoopers.

The “Simple Truth Basketball Camp” is officially happening on June 28, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Aletto Family Sports Center in Carmel, Indiana, and it’s open to boys and girls in grades 1 through 8. The cost will be $125 per camper, but it’s not just drills and scrimmages. Each participant will go home with a signed souvenir, a camp photo with Hull, and a limited-edition t-shirt.

More than that, they’ll leave with a day full of memories – and, as Lexie puts it, “skills, teamwork, confidence” – and of course, “HAVE FUN!” She’s calling it the SimpleTruth4U Basketball Camp, and it indeed fits. Why? Because if there’s anyone who embodies grit, leadership, and kindness rolled into one, and can pass it on in the most honest way, it’s Hull. From being the 2022 6th pick to carving out a bigger role this season while CC’s been out, she has been doing the work and knows what hard work looks like.

Her teammates and friend CC are the loudest and proudest cheerleaders. The moment Hull posted her announcement, she slid right into the comments with the most wholesome reply. Just four words, “Can’t wait to attend.” Obviously, she added a little sass too, saying, “Hoping we just do defensive slides all camp.”

We know that the two are known for their hilarious banter and bestie-level goofiness.  Meanwhile, the Fever are still navigating Caitlin’s temporary absence (with her expected return possibly happening by June 10 against the Dream), all eyes are currently on Saturday’s showdown with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. 

Caitlin Clark’s not rushing the comeback 

Caitlin Clark hasn’t suited up for the Fever since their narrow Memorial Day loss to the New York Liberty. Recently, she spoke to reporters on Thursday and revealed she’s dealing with a left quad strain, an injury she says happened sometime during that very game, even though she doesn’t remember the exact moment.

“Adrenaline covers up a lot of stuff when you’re in the heat of battle,” Clark explained. “After the game, I had some pain, then we got an MRI, and it gave me the result I didn’t want to see.” That result has now kept her out for three straight games, with a fourth on the way as she’ll miss Saturday’s game against Reese.

We can’t deny that Indiana really felt her absence early on as they dropped their first two Clark-less games to the Mystics and a previously winless Connecticut Sun. Thankfully, they managed to bounce back on Tuesday, beating the Mystics in the rematch and snapping their three-game losing streak. That win brought them to 3-4 on the season.

As for when Clark might return, there’s hope, but no promises. The Fever star said she’ll be re-evaluated this weekend, and while June 10 vs. the Atlanta Dream is a potential target, nothing is set in stone. “I’ll miss this weekend’s game, but after that it’s day-by-day,” CC said. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress and I feel good. I’m not gonna rush coming back, it’s just not worth it.”

Clark explained that the nature of her injury makes everything unpredictable. “This type of injury, you don’t know. When I wake up I’ll feel different than the day before. We’ll see. It could be a possibility, but I could also not be available [vs. the Dream].” Fever head coach Stephanie White had initially said this stretch could be a good learning moment for Clark. Turns out, she was right. Clark said she’s been using the time away to study the game from the sidelines, still bringing her “voice” to huddles and sharing what she sees.

So, while the Fever aren’t planning to push her before she’s ready, it’s clear they (and pretty much all of Indiana) are counting the days until she’s back at full speed.