Hailey Van Lith‘s “Start, Bench, Cut” Rankings Spark Controversy
WNBA Rookie’s Comments on Clark, Taurasi, and Ionescu Ignite Social Media
Chicago Sky rookie Hailey Van Lith is facing backlash after playing “Start, bench, Cut” with WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Diana Taurasi, and Sabrina Ionescu on draft night. Van Lith’s choices ignited a firestorm among fans, highlighting the passion surrounding the league’s rising stars.
Van Lith’s Rankings Revealed
During an interview on the WNBA’s orange carpet on Monday night, Van Lith was asked to “Start, Bench, Cut” Clark, Taurasi, and Ionescu. She responded,”Give flowers to the legend. We’re gonna start Diana Taurasi…I’m going to bench Sabrina [Ionescu] and cut Caitlin [Clark].”
Social Media Erupts
The decision to “cut” Clark, in particular, drew the ire of many fans online. One critic wrote on X,”HLV dead to me,” reflecting a segment of the fanbase’s reaction. Clark’s popularity has soared, making her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism.
Context: The Pressure of the Game
“Start, Bench, Cut” is a game designed to put participants on the spot, forcing them to make arduous choices. In the WNBA, where loyalties run deep and fan bases are passionate, such rankings are bound to be scrutinized. With Caitlin Clark’s entry into the league, fan fervor has reached new heights, making any perceived slight a major talking point.
Van lith Joins Chicago Sky
Van Lith was drafted by the Chicago Sky on Monday night [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/draft/2025/04/14/2025-wnba-chicago-sky-team-hailey-van-lith-pick-stats/83034808007/)]. She brings an impressive resume to the team, having led three different teams to the Elite Eight in five years, in addition to winning an Olympic bronze medal [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/draft/2025/04/14/2025-wnba-chicago-sky-team-hailey-van-lith-pick-stats/83034808007/)].
Caitlin Clark Snubbed? Rival’s Draft decision Sparks Social Media Firestorm
A recent WNBA draft decision has ignited a social media debate, with one player opting to exclude Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark from their list. The move has been interpreted by many as a sign of disrespect, fueling existing rivalries and prompting predictions of intense matchups in the upcoming season.
Van Lith’s Choice Stirs the Pot
Hailey van Lith stood alone in omitting Clark, while others selected WNBA stars like Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu. Some players declined to participate altogether. Taurasi boasts an impressive resume, including six Olympic gold medals, three WNBA championships, 11 All-Star selections, and three NCAA titles. She’s also the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer,having earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2004 and MVP in 2009. Ionescu is a reigning WNBA champion and three-time All-Star mentored by the late Kobe Bryant.
History of On-Court Battles
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of intense competition between Clark and Van Lith dating back to their college careers. Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes triumphed over Van Lith’s Louisville Cardinals in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and again against her LSU Lady Tigers in 2024. These high-stakes victories have only intensified the perception of rivalry.
Hailey Van Lith and the Louisville Cardinals fell to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023
And in 2024, Van Lith’s LSU Lady Tigers were beaten by Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes
Social Media Erupts
The snub has fueled a frenzy of online reactions, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the perceived slight. One critic posted a photo of Van Lith shrugging during the 2024 elite Eight loss to Iowa, where Clark scored 41 points, accompanied by the quip, “When will she learn?” The picture has as become a popular meme. Another user wrote, “Clark cooks them all, and they all know it. HVL shouldn’t have saeid that.”
Looking Ahead: Anticipation builds for On-Court Showdowns
Many are predicting tough matchups for Van Lith against Clark in the upcoming WNBA season. Some social media users have suggested Clark is “about to drop a career high on HVL”. Despite not yet reaching the milestones of legends like Taurasi and Ionescu, Clark led the Indiana Fever from the WNBA basement to the playoffs in her first season [[1](https://fansided.com/posts/full-list-records-caitlin-clark-broke-historic-wnba-rookie-season)]. fans eagerly anticipate the possibility to witness these rivals battle it out on the professional stage.
caitlin Clark’s Competitive Fire: Revisiting the 2023 NCAA Tournament Clash with Hailey Van Lith
Chicago — Caitlin Clark’s intense rivalry with Hailey Van Lith captured national attention during the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The high-stakes game between Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Van Lith’s louisville Cardinals was marked by both exceptional play and heated exchanges.
Remembering the tense Moments: Clark vs. Van lith
During the game,clark appeared to tell Van Lith,”You’re down 15 points,shut up.” This statement underscored the game’s competitive atmosphere.
Inside the Game: Performance and Controversy
Clark delivered a remarkable 41-point performance,leading the Hawkeyes to a 97-83 victory over the Cardinals. Van lith contributed 27 points for Louisville.
From Rivals to Teammates: van Lith’s Journey to Chicago
Van Lith, who averaged 15.2 points per game throughout her college career at Louisville and later TCU, has now joined the Chicago Sky, reuniting with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. her arrival sets the stage for exciting new team dynamics.
Here are two PAA (People, Action, Argument) related questions based on the provided text:
Hailey Van Lith’s “Start, Bench, Cut” Rankings Spark Controversy
WNBA Rookie’s Comments on Clark, taurasi, and Ionescu Ignite Social Media
Chicago Sky rookie Hailey Van Lith is facing backlash after playing “Start, bench, Cut” with WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Diana Taurasi, and Sabrina Ionescu on draft night. Van Lith’s choices ignited a firestorm among fans, highlighting the passion surrounding the league’s rising stars.
Van lith’s Rankings Revealed
During an interview on the WNBA’s orange carpet on Monday night, Van Lith was asked to “Start, Bench, Cut” Clark, Taurasi, and Ionescu. She responded,”Give flowers to the legend. We’re gonna start Diana Taurasi…I’m going to bench Sabrina [Ionescu] and cut Caitlin [Clark].”
Social media Erupts
The decision to ”cut” Clark, in particular, drew the ire of many fans online. One critic wrote on X,”HLV dead to me,” reflecting a segment of the fanbase’s reaction. Clark’s popularity has soared, making her a lightning rod for both praise and criticism.
Context: the Pressure of the Game
“Start,Bench,Cut” is a game designed to put participants on the spot,forcing them to make arduous choices. In the WNBA, where loyalties run deep and fan bases are passionate, such rankings are bound to be scrutinized. With Caitlin Clark’s entry into the league, fan fervor has reached new heights, making any perceived slight a major talking point.
Van lith Joins Chicago Sky
Van Lith was drafted by the Chicago sky on Monday night [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/draft/2025/04/14/2025-wnba-chicago-sky-team-hailey-van-lith-pick-stats/83034808007/)]. She brings an impressive resume to the team, having led three different teams to the Elite Eight in five years, in addition to winning an Olympic bronze medal [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/draft/2025/04/14/2025-wnba-chicago-sky-team-hailey-van-lith-pick-stats/83034808007/)].
Caitlin Clark Snubbed? Rival’s Draft decision Sparks Social Media Firestorm
A recent WNBA draft decision has ignited a social media debate, with one player opting to exclude Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark from their list. The move has been interpreted by many as a sign of disrespect, fueling existing rivalries and prompting predictions of intense matchups in the upcoming season.
Van Lith’s Choice Stirs the Pot
Hailey van Lith stood alone in omitting Clark, while others selected WNBA stars like Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu. Some players declined to participate altogether. Taurasi boasts an impressive resume, including six Olympic gold medals, three WNBA championships, 11 All-Star selections, and three NCAA titles. She’s also the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer,having earned rookie of the Year honors in 2004 and MVP in 2009. Ionescu is a reigning WNBA champion and three-time All-Star mentored by the late Kobe Bryant.
History of On-Court Battles
The decision comes amidst a backdrop of intense competition between Clark and Van Lith dating back to their college careers. Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes triumphed over Van Lith’s Louisville Cardinals in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and again against her LSU Lady Tigers in 2024. These high-stakes victories have onyl intensified the perception of rivalry.
Hailey Van Lith and the Louisville Cardinals fell to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023
And in 2024, Van Lith’s LSU Lady Tigers were beaten by Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes
Social Media erupts
The snub has fueled a frenzy of online reactions, with many fans and analysts weighing in on the perceived slight. One critic posted a photo of Van Lith shrugging during the 2024 elite Eight loss to Iowa,where Clark scored 41 points,accompanied by the quip,”When will she learn?” The picture has as become a popular meme. Another user wrote, “Clark cooks them all, and they all know it. HVL shouldn’t have saeid that.”
Looking Ahead: Anticipation builds for On-Court Showdowns
Many are predicting tough matchups for Van Lith against Clark in the upcoming WNBA season. Some social media users have suggested Clark is “about to drop a career high on HVL”. Despite not yet reaching the milestones of legends like Taurasi and Ionescu, Clark led the Indiana Fever from the WNBA basement to the playoffs in her first season [[1](https://fansided.com/posts/full-list-records-caitlin-clark-broke-historic-wnba-rookie-season)]. fans eagerly anticipate the possibility to witness these rivals battle it out on the professional stage.
caitlin Clark’s Competitive Fire: Revisiting the 2023 NCAA Tournament clash with Hailey Van Lith
Chicago — Caitlin Clark’s intense rivalry with Hailey Van Lith captured national attention during the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The high-stakes game between Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Van Lith’s louisville Cardinals was marked by both extraordinary play and heated exchanges.
Remembering the tense Moments: Clark vs. Van lith
During the game,clark appeared to tell Van Lith,”You’re down 15 points,shut up.” This statement underscored the game’s competitive atmosphere.
Inside the game: Performance and Controversy
Clark delivered a remarkable 41-point performance,leading the Hawkeyes to a 97-83 victory over the Cardinals.Van lith contributed 27 points for Louisville.
From Rivals to Teammates: van Lith’s Journey to Chicago
Van Lith, who averaged 15.2 points per game throughout her college career at Louisville and later TCU, has now joined the Chicago Sky, reuniting with former LSU teammate Angel Reese. her arrival sets the stage for exciting new team dynamics.
Q&A: Decoding the Hailey Van Lith vs.Caitlin Clark Controversy
Why did Hailey Van lith’s “Start, Bench, Cut” choices cause such a stir?
Van lith chose to “cut” Caitlin Clark, a highly popular rookie, while starting Diana Taurasi, a WNBA legend. This, combined with the existing rivalry from their college careers, fueled social media backlash from fans who felt Clark was disrespected.
What’s the history between Van Lith and Clark?
Their rivalry stems from college basketball. clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Van Lith’s Louisville Cardinals in 2023 and her LSU Lady Tigers in 2024, intensifying the competitive dynamic.
what is “Start, Bench, Cut” and why is it significant?
“Start, Bench, Cut” is a game where participants rank players, forcing tough choices. In the WNBA, where fan loyalties run deep, such picks can be controversial, especially with high-profile players like Clark.
Who is Diana Taurasi and why is she often “started?”
Diana Taurasi is a WNBA icon with six Olympic gold medals, three WNBA championships, and the title of all-time leading scorer, making her a dominant figure in the league’s history.
What can we expect in the upcoming WNBA season?
fans anticipate intense matchups between Van Lith and Clark, fueled by their history and the high stakes of professional play. Clark’s performance is expected to be a major talking point.
The WNBA season promises excitement and fierce competition.Keep an eye out for the developing rivalries and on-court drama!
