""Weird for the two of us" - Caitlin Clark reacts as face off with 'best friend' beckons

Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin were two prominent leaders in their respective time at the University of Iowa, with both players earning 2023-24 All Big-Ten honors. Fast forward to this week and the two former teammates will play against one another at the highest level for the first time.

Clark's Indiana Fever and Martin's Las Vegas Aces will square off on Wednesday, September 11. Ahead of the matchup, Caitlin Clark discussed her thoughts on playing against a former teammate on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's fun for us, it's fun for a lot of fans in the midwest that cheered us on in college. It's cool getting to see one of your best friends live out her dream and then play against each other, but at the same time it's weird for the two of us.

We were teammates for four years, we got very used to that and now going against each other. You love that and you joke about it but at the same time it takes some getting used to."

Martin averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in her final collegiate season. The rookie is averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds for the Las Vegas Aces this season.

Shaqille O'Neal offers high praise to Caitlin Clark

In an interview with USA Today last month, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal shared some high praise for Caitlin Clark's game amid her historic rookie campaign.

"When I see stuff on TV I'm like, 'Okay I'd like to see it in person.' Well, I saw it in person. She can play. From a basketball standpoint, she makes all the right plays and gets everybody involved, and she has that Steph Curry range."

The rookie sensation is averaging 19.2 points, 8.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds, shooting 35% from beyond the arc. Clark has led the Fever to a 19-17 record and their first playoff berth since 2016.