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Jalen Rose moderated a panel discussion around players facing adversity coming back from injuries
Indiana Pacers star Jalen Rose moderated a panel discussion Friday with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Kansas forward Darryn Peterson, a potential NBA lottery pick, on why prioritizing health is so critical.
- Jalen Rose moderated a panel in Indianapolis with Caitlin Clark and Darryn Peterson about prioritizing health.
- Rose expressed gratitude for the support he received from Indiana fans during his time with the Pacers.
- He praised Caitlin Clark for her professionalism, discipline, and impact on the game of basketball.
- Clark noted the significant growth in fan passion and attendance for the Indiana Fever since her arrival.
INDIANAPOLIS — Make no mistake, Jalen Rose is a Michigan man, but he maintains a special fondness for the state of Indiana.
In town for the Final Four, the former Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Pacers star moderated a panel discussion Friday with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, a potential NBA lottery pick, on why prioritizing health is so critical.
Rose received a warm reception from those in attendance for the Lilly event and took time to interact with the crowd between questions for Clark and Peterson, even bringing one youngster up on stage to meet the other panelists, both of whom warmly engaged with him.
“As somebody that was a Wolverine that became a Pacer, I’ve always appreciated how the Hoosier fans got over that I’m a part of the home team,” said Rose, who played for the Pacers from 1996-2002. “I’m a part of the home team and they embraced me and showed me love. I’m forever grateful.”
After introducing Peterson to the crowd, Rose turned his attention to Clark, highlighting how a number of the former Iowa superstar’s logo 3s came against his beloved Wolverines earlier in her career. “You pulled up from the logo three times against us. I was very mad. You were a sophomore,” he said.
“How you’ve changed the game not only collegiately but professionally, and how disciplined you are, how professional you are, how well you respect your teammates, how you’re all about winning — that’s to be admired,” Rose continued.
Rose was effusive in his praise of Clark following the event, as well, calling her a “great ambassador” for the game and noting her perseverance and how she’s overcome failure, criticism and injury during her career.
“I was very familiar with her and her game for a really long time and how she battled back from her injuries — same with Darryn Peterson,” Rose said. “The ability for an athlete to make those sacrifices and have that discipline to overcome whatever injury, aches and pains they have and still perform is incredible. … I admire not only their productivity and their talent, but their maturity and their responsibility, all of the things that come with being a young adult.”
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Caitlin Clark on the growth of women’s sports: Fans ‘want to be there’
Caitlin Clark’s comments during a panel discussion with Jalen Rose and Darryn Peterson
When asked by Rose about playing for the Fever and the amount of support she and her teammates receive, Clark recalled how she was hoping Indiana would win the 2024 WNBA draft lottery and recounted stories from her teammates about when Gainbridge would only have one concession stand open during games.
“It’s been fun to see how it’s changed since I’ve gotten here,” Clark smiled. “The fans are super passionate and they love it. That’s what’s changed about women’s sports and certainly women’s basketball and the Fever: People aren’t just buying tickets to check a box. They’re very passionate about the product and they want to be there.”
Asked if he’ll be attending any Fever games this season, Rose grinned and replied: “Yes, I’ll definitely be here for a few games.”
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Jalen Rose on the Michigan Wolverines in the Final Four
Jalen Rose wants to see Michigan cut down the nets at the Final Four
Former Michigan player Jalen Rose discusses his former team playing at this year’s Final Four.
Rose’s return to Indy and this year’s Final Four is made even sweeter with Michigan set to play Arizona on Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“I love this team, man. I want to see them cut down the nets,” he smiled. “I love Dusty May. He’s done a terrific job with the program, his leadership, his creativity with our style of play and giving us an identity. … Yaxel (Lendeborg) has been terrific as Big Ten Player of the Year. I just enjoy watching this team and it’s been fun to see them progress this season. And hopefully now since we’re in Indy, we can find a way to win it all.”
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar’s YouTube channel and join Fever Insider Live.
