Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White joins Ros Gold-Onwude to discuss Caitlin Clark’s year-two growth, how Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell fit the plan, and why key additions could change everything on the latest episode of Good Follow.
It’s no secret the Fever’s locker room is stacked. They made big offseason moves, bringing back Kelsey Mitchell and adding veteran firepower in DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson to elevate the roster heading into the season. Additionally, White pointed out that they had to ensure the vets they were acquiring would mesh well with their big three: Caitlin Clark, Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston, but also overall fit into what the Fever is about. White praised the Fever’s front office for adding veteran talent, including Natasha Howard, DeWanna Bonner, and Sydney Colson. She noted that Howard, who previously played in Indiana during White’s time as an assistant, brings a championship pedigree and familiarity to the team. White emphasized Bonner’s versatility, describing her as fiercely competitive with a “mother hen” energy and someone who holds you accountable while still offering support. She also highlighted the importance of adding a backup point guard like Colson, who’s vocal, adaptable, and brings leadership. As for Sophie Cunningham, White praised her toughness and noted the value of her mentorship under WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, adding another layer of wisdom to the Fever locker room.
Breaking down the Fever’s Big 3, it was Clark who went on a simulcast with Taurasi and Sue Bird and expressed humorously that she wanted to get fewer technical fouls this season. White playfully responded to see if Taurasi had any advice for Clark to cut down on the technical fouls. However, on a serious note, White expressed that they cannot have momentum-changing technical fouls, and even though Clark plays with so much intensity, it is about channeling that into positive results for the team. White mentioned that Clark’s passion for the game is similar to that of Fever legend Tamika Catchings, and Clark can lean on her as a resource to help manage that competitiveness and elevate the team. Furthermore, Clark’s photo went viral with her arms flexed, and she jokingly shared that it was AI-generated. White added that strength was an area of her game that she wanted her to improve on. Another area of improvement she wanted to see from Clark was her ability to be more active on the defensive end, utilizing her length and size. Lastly, diversifying her ability to finish at the basket and not being so predictable, she can add things to her bag like floaters, cross-body finishes, and utilize euro steps.
Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston clicked right away last season, and White told Gold-Onwude she loves how the two naturally play off each other. Heading into this year, the Fever want to take some pressure off Boston by using her more like Denver uses Jokic, by putting her in spots where she doesn’t have to work so hard for every touch. White said they’re looking to get her moving more, not just stuck in one-on-ones or grinding in the post. They want her to get easier looks at the rim, off movement, or facing the basket, and are pushing her to stretch her game with a more reliable outside shot as well. White told Gold-Onwude that bringing Kelsey Mitchell back was the Fever’s top priority and for good reason. She’s the one player who can go get you a bucket, White said. She loves how Mitchell can get downhill, create space with just a couple of actions, and use her speed to get clean looks. Last season, Mitchell had her best year statistically, taking fewer shots while being more efficient. White made it clear that the Fever’s system is built to free Mitchell up, letting her play loose, find her spots, and lead on both ends of the floor.
Check out Ros’ full conversation with White in the full video or podcast below. And make sure to tune into Good on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White Joins The Show, Paige Bueckers Goes #1 + WNBA Rivalry Week & More
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