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Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson reunite as Fever teammates after Final Four clash
The two stars' competitive matchup in the 2023 NCAA tournament semifinals led to an unlikely professional partnership.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:39pm
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The competitive spirit and growth potential of women's basketball shine through in this cubist depiction of a matchup between rising stars Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson.Indianapolis TodayThree years ago, Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Raven Johnson of South Carolina faced off in the 2023 NCAA women's basketball Final Four. Now, the two stars are teammates on the Indiana Fever after being drafted by the WNBA franchise. Their intense on-court rivalry during the college tournament semifinal game has evolved into a professional partnership, with the matchup serving as a motivating factor for both players.
Why it matters
The story of Clark and Johnson's transition from fierce college opponents to WNBA teammates on the Fever highlights the competitive nature of women's basketball and how rivalries can sometimes lead to unexpected professional collaborations. It also showcases the growth and development of two of the sport's rising stars.
The details
In the 2023 NCAA tournament semifinal, Clark's Iowa team faced off against Johnson's undefeated South Carolina squad. The intense matchup saw the two players going head-to-head, with Clark waving off Johnson at one point during the game. Despite the competitive nature of the encounter, the two players have since developed a mutual respect for each other's abilities, which has led to them being drafted by the same WNBA team.
- The 2023 NCAA women's basketball Final Four took place in March of that year.
- Clark and Johnson were both selected by the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
The players
Caitlin Clark
A standout guard for the University of Iowa women's basketball team, Clark is considered one of the top players in the country and was selected by the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Raven Johnson
A talented point guard for the University of South Carolina, Johnson led the Gamecocks to the 2023 NCAA championship and was also drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2026.
Indiana Fever
The professional women's basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that drafted both Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
What they’re saying
“That matchup in the Final Four really put so much fuel to the fire. We both wanted to win so badly, but now we get to channel that energy into being the best teammates we can be.”
— Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Guard
“Caitlin and I have so much respect for each other's game. I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together at the next level.”
— Raven Johnson, Indiana Fever Guard
What’s next
The Fever will open their 2026 WNBA season in May, with Clark and Johnson expected to be key contributors to the team's success.
The takeaway
The story of Caitlin Clark and Raven Johnson's transition from fierce college rivals to professional teammates on the Indiana Fever showcases the competitive spirit and growth potential of women's basketball. Their ability to channel their past on-court rivalry into a productive partnership highlights the sport's bright future.
