Caitlin Clark has rapidly emerged as one of the WNBA’s biggest stars, but her growing profile has also led to a noticeable rise in detractors. On Wednesday, UCLA coach Cori Close dropped truth bombs on Caark’s haters while praising the Fever star.

During an appearance on the ‘Stephen A. Smith Show,’ Close shared her thoughts on Clark’s surging popularity and the charisma that has made her so magnetic to fans.

“I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball,” Close said. “Even back then, she has a charisma about her that’s infectious around everyone she comes in contact with.”

Continuing on the topic of Clark’s expanding influence, Close noted how the rise of a single player can elevate the entire sport, pointing to Juju Watkins as another example of that effect.

“Even though I coach at UCLA, I can appreciate the impact of what’s happening with Juju at USC,” Close continued. “I think that you have to have a broader view of growing the game if you are really going to apreciate it. The reality is, Caitlin Clark has risen a level of fanbase that has broadened it that has deepened that we are all benefitting from.”

The UCLA head coach offered her views on Clark after Stephen A. Smith highlighted how some people were “resistant” to acknowledging the impact Clark has had on the WNBA. Close’s remarks underscored the unmistakable impact Clark has had on the women’s game.

While some critics have tried to downplay the Fever star’s role in the sport’s growth, her influence is evident.

Cori Close says there is no “bad publicity” and encourages embracing the attention sparked by Caitlin Clark’s rise

Caitlin Clark’s rise has drawn millions of new viewers to the women’s game, but it has also stirred plenty of resentment. As debates continue over the pros and cons of her rapid ascent, UCLA coach Cori Close maintains that the sport should capitalize on the surge in attention.

In her conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Close recognized that Clark is bringing in new fans but also urged the sport to embrace the negative attention, arguing that there is no such thing as “bad publicity.”

“Some of the tensions that have gone back and forth, I am like, great! Bring it on,” Close said. “Let’s build each other up and I think there is no such thing in that case, of there is no bad publicity or exposure.”

Close’s remarks highlighted how the women’s game can turn both the excitement and the criticism around Clark into something that pushes the sport forward.