The question was always when, not if.
Now we have an answer to the question of when Iowa will retire Caitlin Clark's iconic No. 22: February 2, 2025.
Or 2.2 if you prefer.
That game was already set to be one of the biggest of the season for the #22 Hawkeyes, who are set to host #7 USC (10-1) that day. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 PM CT and the game is set to air on FOX.
The Trojans, one of the favorites to win the conference championship in their first season in the Big Ten, are led by sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins, who has taken Clark's mantle as one of the top scorers in the country. Watkins is averaging 24.7 ppg this season, best in the Big Ten and third-best nationally.
"I'm forever proud to be a Hawkeye and Iowa holds a special place in my heart that is bigger than just basketball,” Clark said in a statement. "It means the world to me to receive this honor and to celebrate it with my family, friends and alumni. It will be a great feeling to look up in the rafters and see my jersey alongside those that I've admired for so long."
“Caitlin Clark has not only redefined excellence on the court but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” said Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz. “Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the University of Iowa and the world of women’s basketball. Retiring her number is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and a celebration of her legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Hawkeye fans are eager to say thank you for so many incredible moments.”
Clark demolished the collegiate record books last season, breaking Kelsey Plum's record to become the women's Division I scoring leader, then surpassing Lynette Woodard's total for the women's major college scoring record, and finally eclipsing "Pistol" Pete Maravich to become the leading scorer for men or women in Division I.
During her career at Iowa, Clark racked up a stupendous number of awards and honors, including:
2-time AAU Sullivan Award Winner (first ever)
2-time Consensus National Player of the Year
2-time Naismith Award (2023, 2024)
2-time Wooden Award (2023, 2024)
2-time Wade Trophy (2023, 2024)
2-time Honda Award (2023, 2024)
2-time Big Ten Athlete of the Year (2023, 2024)
3-time Nancy Lieberman Award (2022, 2023, 2024)
3-time Dawn Staley Award (2021, 2022, 2023)
3-time Big Ten Player of the Year (2022, 2023, 2024)
3-time Big Ten Tournament MVP (2022, 2023, 2024)
4-time AP All-American
4-time WBCA All-American
4-time unanimous first-team All-Big Ten
And that is not an exhaustive list. Clark hasn't stopped winning awards since leaving Iowa, either, as she was recently named Athlete of the Year by TIME Magazine.
Caitlin Clark had a collegiate career at Iowa that almost defies belief -- if it hadn't played out in front of sellout crowds and record TV audiences over the last four years, the numbers she produced and the accomplishments that she attained would seem impossible. But they were very real and Iowa fans had a front row seat to witness them. On February 2, Iowa fans will have one more opportunity to celebrate Clark and her stunning legacy.
