In a recent episode of Gil’s Arena, former NBA stars Kenyon Martin and Gilbert Arenas stirred controversy by making a bold assertion about Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark’s potential in the Big3 Basketball League.
Clark, a rising star in collegiate basketball, received a historic offer from Ice Cube, the founder of the Big3, proposing a lucrative $5 million deal for her to join the league once her collegiate career concludes.
However, Martin and Arenas cast doubt on Clark’s ability to compete against male players in the Big3.
Expressing skepticism about Clark’s prospects, Martin and Arenas went as far as to claim that she “wouldn’t score one point” if she were to play in the league.
Kenyon Martin on Caitlin Clark in The BIG3: "She would not score 1 point."
(Via @GilsArenaShow) pic.twitter.com/jG65RmwYa6 https://t.co/fQ9jjdt7ko
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 27, 2024
Martin even went on to describe the Big3 as “a step under prison ball,” emphasizing the physicality and intensity of the competition.
Both Martin and Arenas, who have firsthand experience playing in the Big3, cited the league’s demanding nature as a basis for their assertion.
They highlighted scenarios where Clark, as a smaller guard, would struggle against bigger and more physical opponents like Reggie Evans.
While acknowledging the significant physical disparity between male and female athletes, critics found Martin and Arenas’ claim extreme and unwarranted.
While Clark might face challenges defending former NBA players, her exceptional shooting ability would likely afford her opportunities to score, even against formidable opponents.
