Caitlin Clark doesn’t throw around praise lightly, but when it comes to Coach Lisa Bluder, she’s got nothing but respect and a little humor. Reflecting on her time at Iowa, Clark recently shared how Bluder’s meticulously structured practices not only shaped her college career but continue to influence how she plays in the WNBA today. And yes, she calls it “brainwashing.”
Clark explained that under Bluder, every player from the star point guard to the last person off the bench knew exactly what to do in every situation. If you drove left, you knew where your teammate would cut. If you passed to the wing, you already anticipated the next rotation. It was so ingrained, Clark says, that it became second nature. “You were brainwashed into knowing your role,” she joked, “and I mean that in the most positive way.”
Caitlin Clark’s secret weapon comes from Iowa
What surprises her now is how different it can be at the pro level. She admits she’s still caught off guard when she sees players on the court looking uncertain or out of place. “Even now in the WNBA, I’m like, how do people not know where to move? It blows my mind,” she said. Not every program runs with the same level of detail and precision she experienced in college.
For Clark, the structure at Iowa wasn’t about controlling players, it was about empowering them. Bluder’s system allowed everyone to play faster and more confidently because there was no hesitation, no guessing. “Whether you were the smartest basketball player on the team or not, you were always on the same page with your teammates,” Clark said. That unity, she believes, was a huge factor in Iowa’s success during her time there.
The now Indiana Fever star also pointed out how unusual it is to find that kind of clarity and communication. Practices with Bluder weren’t just drills, they were masterclasses in anticipation and basketball IQ. It’s something Clark carries into every WNBA game, and something that, in her opinion, gives her an advantage against defenders who might hesitate or get lost in the flow.
Looking back, Clark is grateful for the foundation Bluder built for her. It’s not just about plays or positioning, it’s about a mindset. A readiness to adapt, react, and trust that everyone around you is doing their job. That’s why, even as she makes her mark in the WNBA, a piece of Coach Bluder’s “brainwashing” will always be part of her game.
That kind of preparation isn’t just useful, it’s a weapon. And Caitlin Clark, thanks to years of meticulous training, knows exactly how to use it against her opponents on the court.
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