A rookie with old scores to settle with Caitlin Clark has the audacity to challenge her: I’d love to slow her down

Caitlin Clark has already sparked multiple matchups that fans circle on their calendars-battles with players like Angel Reese and Sabrina Ionescu that have transcended the court. Now, another name has entered the spotlight in Connecticut Sun rookie Saniya Rivers.

Just days after being selected eighth overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Rivers made headlines. When asked which team she was most eager to play in her debut season, Rivers didn’t hesitate to stir the pot.

“Let’s go with Indiana, why not? I would love the opportunity to match up with her again,” she said, referring to Clark and the Indiana Fever.

It was a subtle nod to a memorable 2022 college clash between Iowa and NC State. Clark went off for 45 points, but Rivers‘ team walked away with the win. Two years later, that competitive edge clearly hasn’t faded.

The number 22 takes on a new dimension in the WNBA

Beyond her words, Rivers added fuel to the fire in a quieter but symbolic way-by choosing to wear No. 22 for the Connecticut Sun. That number, of course, has become inextricably tied to Caitlin Clark‘s brand.

Despite sharing the same number, Clark and Rivers bring very different tools to the table. Clark is a highlight-reel playmaker with deep shooting range and a knack for electrifying offenses. Rivers, on the other hand, thrives on defense.

She’s a 6-foot-1 guard with a tenacious motor, a two-time All-ACC selection, and a two-time ACC All-Defensive Team honoree. She also earned recognition as a Top 10 finalist for both the Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale Awards.

Her new team, the Connecticut Sun, are no strangers to defense. Ranked third in defensive efficiency last season, the Sun are a perfect landing spot for Rivers’ gritty, aggressive style. But her ambitions go beyond fitting in-she wants to take on the best.

“I wanna be the player that maybe tries my best to shut down the best players every night … Caitlin‘s gonna be Caitlin, but I’m not gonna get in my head … I would love to slow her down a little bit,” she said after the draft.