INDIANAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Sparks announced Wednesday afternoon that 2024 No. 2 pick Cameron Brink tore her ACL in the first quarter of Tuesday’s loss to the Connecticut Sun. Before the Indiana Fever suited up for their home game with the Washington Mystics Wednesday night, Caitlin Clark was asked her thoughts on it. Both players are rookies, top picks and good friends. 

“I know she’s the type of person to be able to get through it and come out through it stronger,” Clark said. “But yeah, I mean, it breaks your heart. She’s such a good basketball player but an even better person. Obviously, knowing her, being one of my friends, kind of going through this process together.” 

The process hasn’t begun only this season because Clark and Brink were the top two picks in this year’s draft and can draw many similarities. Clark said that they were roommates on the road in Thailand when they were 17 years old. When the Fever played at Los Angeles earlier this season, Clark told reporters they knew each other for years dating back to USA Basketball. 

Brink played four minutes before the no-contact injury at Connecticut. She has played in 15 games this season, averaging 22 minutes, 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Those numbers include the four-minute game, which can be unjust to her overall statistics. Brink will surely be out for the remainder of the season. The regular season concludes in mid-September. 

Brink was slated to play for the United States in the 3×3 in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“She was obviously having a great start to her rookie season,” Clark said. “I know so many people are thinking of her and praying for her. I’m sure she’s overwhelmed by the support right now and she definitely deserves it. Knowing the type of person she is, this will only make her better in the long run.” 

Fever head coach Christie Sides spoke pregame before Clark’s press conference. After she fielded all questions, Sides stood up to leave but sat back down to end with words about Brink. 

“My thoughts are with the LA team,” Sides said. “That’s just really sad and hope the best for her.”