Squeaks, scoots, scuffs, scrimmages and screams filled the practice gymnasium at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis as the Indiana Fever officially began training camp on April 28.
Fever forward and 2023 Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston recalled a conversation she had with teammate NaLyssa Smith regarding new post players like the Chicago Sky frontcourt duo of Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso who were picked up in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
“I heard Kamilla [Cardoso] talking about her and Angel [Reese] rebounding, I said [to NaLyssa Smith] ‘girl, listen, they are coming,’” Boston told the media on April 29. “I told Lyss [Smith] before we even got to training camp that our goal is to be the best post duo.”
Boston’s desire for the Fever’s frontcourt of her and Smith to dominate is a goal that is not far out of reach. The reigning Rookie of the Year averaged 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block per game. Boston’s play helped her secure a spot in the top 10 rebound leaders, taking ninth.
Smith, who only missed nine games last season, averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, the latter being good enough for fourth-best in the league. The third-year forward finished the season with 13 double-doubles, setting a new franchise record.
Smith spoke about the team culture and chemistry heading into the 2024 season.
“Everybody’s pulling for each other, you can tell that we have one big goal, and that is to make it to the playoffs and even further, you can tell that we are all pulling for each other,” Smith said.
While the frontcourt looks promising, so does the backcourt of veteran scorer Kelsey Mitchell and rookie Caitlin Clark.
More Indiana Fever news: Fever draft Clark with No. 1 pick
Mitchell, who missed the first day of training camp due to an ankle injury, looked poised during day two. Last season, Mitchell averaged 18 points per contest, ranking tenth in scoring in the league.
Clark, often regarded as one of the greatest collegiate scorers of all time, was active during day two of training camp. The rookie was fighting through screens, dishing out dimes and shooting jumpers from somewhere she appeared comfortable: beyond the arc. Clark said that after day one of camp, the team flowed better the following day.
“Nobody needed to go over things again today, everybody did their homework and was prepared coming into day two,” Clark said.
Clark also spoke about how team veterans such as guard Erica Wheeler is taking her under her wing, something like a big sister.
“She [Wheeler] is going to push me, she is going to hold me accountable, she is going to find ways to help me learn, but at the same time, she is going to have my back every single day, and that is something I am very grateful for coming into this league,” Clark said. “Having a vet that wants the best for you is special and something I won’t take for granted.”
The first preseason game for the Indiana Fever is on May 3 when they will take on the Dallas Wings at College Park Center at 8 p.m.
Clark said she knows the rest of the league is coming for her and her new team.
“There is kind of a target on our back, but at the same time, that is something that you embrace and you love and would not want it any other way,” Clark said. “This is only the beginning.”
The first game of the regular season takes place on May 14, an away game, against the Connecticut Sun, tipping off at 8 p.m. Clark and the Fever play their first home game against Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty on May 16 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. For information on Indiana Fever tickets, visit Ticketmaster.
Contact multimedia & sports reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral.
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