Caitlin Clark is already focused on basketball as she prepares for her national team debut. Still, during a recent media session in Puerto Rico, the American star revealed a lighthearted wish involving global music icon Bad Bunny.
Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, is in Puerto Rico with Team USA for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. The event is taking place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, one of the island’s most famous venues.
After practice, Clark told reporters she was enjoying her first visit to Puerto Rico. But she also joked that the experience would be even better if one of the island’s biggest stars were around to perform.
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
“Yes, I’m super excited. It’s my first time in Puerto Rico. It’s truly beautiful,” Clark said, according to El Nuevo Dia. “I wish Bad Bunny were at the game. I wish he were performing. I checked to see if he was going to be singing while we’re here, but he’s not. Maybe they should bring him. Help us with that.”
Clark delivered the comment with a wide smile, making it clear that the moment was meant to be fun. Still, it quickly caught the attention of fans who love seeing the worlds of sports and entertainment collide.
At the moment, Bad Bunny is not in Puerto Rico. The singer recently completed the first leg of his Debí Tirar Más Fotos tour in Japan and is scheduled to resume the tour in Europe later this year.
Caitlin Clark Excited for Team USA Debut
While her playful remark about Bad Bunny grabbed headlines, Clark’s main focus remains basketball. The 23-year-old guard is preparing to play in her first international tournament with the senior United States national team.
Team USA will play several games between March 11 and March 17 as part of the qualifying event. Their first matchup is scheduled against Senegal, followed by games against Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand and Spain.
For Clark, the tournament represents a major milestone in her career. Although she has represented the United States in youth competitions before, this will be her first opportunity to compete with the senior team.
“It’s been a pretty quick process since we got together,” Clark explained. “This was only our third practice, and tomorrow will be a little lighter because it’s the day before the game. Then we play two games back-to-back, so everything has happened very fast.”
Despite the fast preparation, Clark said the energy around the team is very positive. Many players on the roster are experiencing the same thing — their first time wearing the senior national team uniform.
“But I think we’re all excited to get out on the floor and play,” she said. “Whenever you have the opportunity to wear the U.S. uniform, especially at this level, it’s something very few people get to do. It’s an incredible honor.”
The team includes several experienced WNBA veterans along with rising young talents. Players like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young bring championship experience. Meanwhile, younger stars such as Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers are part of the next generation.
Another challenge for Clark is returning to competition after several months away from the court. Injuries limited her playing time last season, meaning the qualifier will be her first real action in about eight months.
Still, the Fever star said she feels good during practice and is eager to return to game action.
Related: NFL Makes ‘First-Ever’ Announcement About Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show
