Caitlin Clark Asserts to Be “More Valuable” Than Ex-Teammate as Comical Question Causes Iowa Alumni to Clash

Off the court, Caitlin Clark is one fun personality. Her Iowa teammates would vouch; or even Lexie Hull. “If you need a laugh, she’ll get it done for you,” the Indiana Fever star had to say. We have got a glimpse of that through her social media interactions over the months. The back-and-forths with fellow Hawkeyes has been one example and that doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.

The WNBA star found herself at the center of a playful Instagram debate with her old teammates yet again, and let’s just say—it was peak Caitlin. In an exchange that was both hilarious and heartwarming at the same time, fans got a look at just how strong of a bond was formed during her time at Iowa.

It all started when Jada Gyamfi shared a ranking that put Caitlin Clark in last place. The Hawkeyes Junior says CC would be the last person she’d be stuck with on a deserted island among her, Kate Martin, and Gabby Marshall. The reasoning? The 2024 ROTY wouldn’t likely contribute and whine instead. But Clark, ever the competitor, wasn’t going to let it slide. With her trademark wit, she clapped back: “Plzzzzz Jada I’m more valuable than u.”

Her former teammates wasted no time piling on. Kate Martin backed Jada’s ranking with a tongue-in-cheek “Only correct answer.” While Gabby Marshall chimed in to say that, even if they wouldn’t succeed in the scenario being discussed, they’d have “the time of our lives for sureeee.”

This isn’t the first time Clark and Gyamfi have entertained their followers with their banter. Their friendship has been front and center on social media, mixing humor with genuine support. Gyamfi celebrated Clark becoming the all time career assist leader in Big Ten history by utilizing microscope emojis to illustrate Clark’s superior court vision. Once again though, it’s jokes first and jokes always, but there’s never a shortage of respect between them.

On Clark’s birthday, Gyamfi shared a heartfelt Instagram shoutout, writing, “Cheers to 23! I love you, kid.” But of course, the humor is never far behind—like when Clark teased Gyamfi about her vacation photos, quipping, “More ball, less photoshoots and Ferris wheel rides.” Gyamfi’s response? “Literally so annoying.”

Their friendship has become a fan favorite dynamic along with how they contributed positively to Iowa’s program during their time together.

Life after Caitlin Clark at Iowa

Caitlin Clark’s departure from the Iowa Hawkeyes made a big change for the team. Her time at Iowa was transformative, one that elevated the profile of the program and attendance to record breaking heights.

USA Today via Reuters

However, Iowa has faced some growing pains in the wake of her departure. Adapting to a new playing style, the team is dealing with its first five-game losing streak since 2013. Challenges have been magnified by key injuries: Hannah Stuelke has been out with concussion protocol. However, the Hawkeyes are finding out how to play as a group instead of a one woman show.

Despite the current struggles, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. Top tier recruits such as five star guard Addison Deal and four star recruit Journey Houston have committed to Iowa. With these new talents and the program’s raised profile under head coach Lisa Bluder, the Hawkeyes look like they can continue to move forward. Bluder said the program’s recent success has opened doors to recruiting opportunities that were once off limits.

The program has the potential to stay a force in the game for years to come. And if her Instagram banter is any indication, Caitlin Clark will always be part of the story—on and off the court.