Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Has a Simple Response After She’s Named AP Rookie of the Year: ‘Duh’

Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Has a Simple Response After She’s Named AP Rookie of the Year: ‘Duh’
Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie for the Indiana Fever, has been making headlines all season long, and her latest accolade only cements her status as one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Clark was unanimously named the Associated Press 2024 Rookie of the Year, recognizing her phenomenal debut season in the league. In response, her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, shared a heartwarming and proud reaction that reflected his unwavering support.

McCaffery, who recently started a new role as an assistant coach for Butler University's men’s basketball team, took to Instagram to share his excitement. He reposted the Fever's announcement of Clark’s award, simply captioning it with “Duh,” a playful but confident nod to the fact that there was no one more deserving of the honor. McCaffery’s lighthearted comment encapsulated the sentiment felt by many WNBA fans who have followed Clark’s meteoric rise since her college days at Iowa.

Clark’s Rookie of the Year win came after a season filled with record-breaking performances and game-changing plays. Not only was she named the unanimous winner of the prestigious award, but she was also selected for the AP's All-WNBA First Team alongside league legends like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Furthermore, Clark earned a spot on the AP All-Rookie Team, sharing the honor with fellow rising stars Angel Reese and Rickea Jackson. These recognitions further solidify Clark’s place among the league’s elite, even in her first year.

McCaffery, who has been by Clark’s side throughout her career milestones, recently celebrated a professional milestone of his own. The former Iowa Hawkeye and NBA Indiana Pacers team assistant announced that he had accepted a coaching position at Butler University, a move that Clark enthusiastically supported. In a heartfelt Instagram post on September 17, Clark expressed her pride in McCaffery’s new role, writing, “Yayyy!!! So happy for you 🤍,” alongside Butler’s official announcement. The couple has become one of the most talked-about duos in the basketball world, with their relationship going public in August 2023 when Clark shared a sweet summer snapshot of the two enjoying time on a boat.

Despite her individual achievements, Clark faced a tough challenge in her first WNBA playoff appearance. On the same day she was named Rookie of the Year, the Indiana Fever took on the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of their playoff series. The Fever struggled throughout the game, falling 93-69 to a dominant Sun team. Clark, known for her sharp shooting and clutch performances, had an off night after being poked in the eye by Connecticut’s DiJonai Carrington. Though visibly in pain, sporting a black eye, Clark refused to blame the injury for her shooting woes.

In a postgame interview, Clark downplayed the impact of the eye poke, saying, “Obviously, she got me pretty good in the eye. I don’t think it affected me. I got good shots, they didn’t go down.” She acknowledged that it was an unfortunate time for her shots to fall short, adding, “I had three wide open in the first half that I usually make.” Despite the physical setback, Clark maintained that her performance was not dictated by the injury, but rather a tough shooting night.

As Clark and the Fever look to bounce back in the rest of the playoff series, McCaffery’s support remains a constant. Their relationship, which blossomed during their time as Iowa Hawkeyes, has only grown stronger as both continue to make strides in their respective careers. Clark’s historic rookie season, combined with McCaffery’s new coaching opportunity, marks a special chapter for the couple as they navigate the highs and challenges of professional basketball together.