“Not Caitlin Clark Range, But Close” – Lisa Bluder Shouts Out Former Superstar on Broadcast After Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright Sinks Long 3

Caitlin Clark‘s extraordinary three-point shooting range became a talking point during Iowa’s matchup against Northern Iowa after Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright connected on a long-distance shot. Former Hawkeyes head coach Lisa Bluder, who was providing commentary during Thursday’s broadcast, praised Wright’s shooting ability while comparing her range with that of the Iowa basketball legend.

Wright’s impressive shot came during the opening quarter, when she received the ball on the wing in transition and launched a three-pointer from well beyond the arc. The basket caught attention because of its distance and reminded viewers of the deep shots that made Clark one of the most recognisable players in college basketball.

Bluder acknowledged the quality of Wright’s effort but suggested that Clark’s shooting range remained a different standard. Her on-air comment quickly brought the former Iowa superstar into the conversation.

Lisa Bluder compares Chazadi Wright’s long three-pointer to Caitlin Clark’s range

With approximately 3:42 remaining in the first quarter, Wright found space on the wing during a transition possession. Instead of moving closer to the basket, she confidently pulled up from around 26 feet and converted the long-range attempt before Northern Iowa’s defence could get organised.

Bluder, who coached Clark throughout her historic Iowa career, immediately recognised the impressive distance of Wright’s shot. However, she also used the opportunity to highlight the exceptional range that Clark regularly displayed during her college years.

“That’s some good range right there, not quite Caitlin Clark range, but close. We’re getting close,” Bluder said.

The comment highlighted the standard Clark established at Iowa, where she frequently attempted and converted three-pointers from distances well beyond the traditional shooting area. Her ability to score from 30 feet or more became one of the defining features of her game.

Clark’s long-range shooting often forced opposing defences to extend their coverage far beyond the three-point line. That ability created additional space for her teammates while making her a constant scoring threat from almost anywhere in the frontcourt.

Caitlin Clark’s 35-foot shot that made NCAA basketball history

One of the most memorable examples of Clark’s extraordinary shooting range came on February 15, 2024, when Iowa faced Michigan at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

During that game, Clark broke the NCAA women’s all-time career scoring record with a three-pointer from approximately 35 feet. The historic basket was another demonstration of the confidence and shooting ability that had made her a national sensation.

Her ability to connect from near the logo became a major part of her identity as a player. Long-distance shots that might appear difficult for most basketball players were regular features of Clark’s offensive game.

That history made Bluder’s comparison particularly meaningful. Having coached Clark during her rise to stardom, the former Iowa coach understood just how unusual her shooting range was and why Wright’s 26-foot effort brought the comparison to mind.

Chazadi Wright adds another long-range three against Northern Iowa

Wright showed that her first long-distance basket was not a one-time moment. She returned to the scoreboard in the second quarter with another impressive three-pointer, this time connecting from approximately 25 feet.

The two long-range baskets demonstrated her confidence from outside the arc and gave Iowa another offensive contribution during a dominant performance.

Wright finished the contest with six points as the Hawkeyes cruised to a convincing 78-40 victory over Northern Iowa. Although her scoring total was modest, her long-distance shooting provided one of the memorable moments from the game.

Iowa’s comfortable victory reflected the team’s control of the matchup, while Wright’s shooting performance offered an opportunity for Bluder to recognise the influence of Clark’s legacy on the program.

Caitlin Clark praises Lisa Bluder for treating every Iowa player equally

Clark’s relationship with Bluder extended beyond basketball achievements and individual performances. During her four-year career at Iowa, Clark became the biggest name in college basketball and the central figure of the Hawkeyes program.

Despite the attention surrounding her, Bluder made an effort to ensure that Clark was treated like every other member of the roster. The coach’s approach focused on creating an environment in which every player felt valued, regardless of their role or playing time.

Clark previously praised Bluder for maintaining that sense of equality and refusing to give her preferential treatment simply because she was the team’s biggest star.

“I was the star of the team, but that didn’t mean she treated me any differently than the 15th player who never got off the bench. She was just as proud of them as she is of me. She was really great at empowering people.”

Clark’s comments reflected her appreciation for the culture Bluder established within the Iowa program. Even as her popularity increased and she became one of the most influential figures in college basketball, the coach continued to emphasise the importance of every player on the roster.

Lisa Bluder’s influence on Caitlin Clark’s Iowa career

Bluder played an important role in Clark’s development during her time at Iowa. Beyond helping the guard grow as a basketball player, she also provided an environment that allowed Clark to handle the pressure and expectations that came with becoming a national star.

Clark credited her former coach for keeping her grounded and making sure that the attention surrounding her did not change the way she was treated within the team. That approach also reinforced the importance of respecting teammates and recognising contributions across the entire roster.

The latest broadcast moment involving Wright offered another reminder of Clark’s lasting influence on Iowa basketball. Her shooting range remains a reference point for discussions about long-distance scoring, while Bluder’s comments showed how memorable her performances were during their time together at the Hawkeyes.

Wright’s two deep three-pointers helped make the Northern Iowa game memorable, but the comparison with Clark provided an additional storyline. As Iowa continues its basketball journey, the former superstar’s legacy remains closely connected to the program and the standards she established during her remarkable college career.