Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes there is another WNBA player who is more exciting to watch than Caitlin Clark this season.
Speaking on his show while discussing Clark’s treatment on the court, Acho spoke about Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, arguing that the No. 2 overall pick has been the league’s most electrifying young player.
“I don’t even think Caitlin Clark is the most exciting young WNBA player,” Acho said. “There’s one by the name of Olivia Miles who is wildly exciting right now. Sitting girls down, crossing girls up. Olivia Miles has been the more exciting player this season than Caitlin Clark.”
He added that public perception would be much different if Miles carried Clark’s level of recognition.
“If Olivia Miles’ last name was Clark, the whole world would be on fire,” he said.
Surpassing the previous records set by Clark and Paige Bueckers, Miles just became the fastest player in league history to reach 300+ points and 100+ assists.
She’s averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in the current season.
Emmanuel Acho on Caitlin Clark Physicality
While many have criticized the WNBA over Clark’s treatment, Acho offered a different perspective.
“I don’t think the WNBA is failing Caitlin Clark. I think Caitlin Clark needs to get tougher. I’m tired of looking at Dave Portnoy cape for you. Protect yourself. Stand up for yourself. Defend yourself,” Acho said.
Clark exited Indiana’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury with a back injury. In the game, Mercury veteran Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat.
“It’s your third year in the league. Hit the weight room, bro. Hit some squats, some cleans, some snatches, some jerks, something. At what point, Caitlin Clark, are you going to let your physicality match your skill set?” Acho added.
Fever coach Stephanie White blamed Mercury players as well as the officials for mis-treatment of Clark.
“I just saw it. I’m not sure if it had any impact on her health or not, but it was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call. I heard about it at halftime. I brought it to the attention of the officials at halftime, yet we still had 11 fouls in the fourth quarter to their two? They still shot 24 free throws in the second half?” – White said in a press conference.
“Number one, you gotta call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful. And then number two, you’re aware of what happened two nights ago, and that (expletive) still happens? Absolutely unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.”
Acho’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Clark and the WNBA. Whether the league addresses the situation remains to be seen.
Also Read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
