In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of professional basketball, a superstar’s signature move is often a closely guarded secret, a product of countless hours of practice and a deep understanding of the game. But for Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark, the secret behind her iconic step-back jump-shot—a move that has captivated millions of fans and redefined the way women’s basketball is played—is a surprising and heartwarming story of a childhood obsession with an unlikely hero. In a stunning and now-viral confession on a podcast with WNBA legend Sue Bird, Clark revealed that her signature move was inspired by none other than Jimmer Fredette, the former BYU star whose college basketball fame was as brilliant as it was brief.

The revelation is particularly poignant because it is a story that has long been whispered about in basketball circles but has never been publicly confirmed. Clark, with a wide smile and a nostalgic glint in her eye, confessed that she was a self-described “basketball junkie” as a child, a student of the game who would spend countless hours watching and absorbing every move of her favorite players. She spoke of her love for both Jimmer Fredette and Stephen Curry, two players who, in their own unique way, have redefined the art of the long-range jump shot. But it was her confession about Fredette that truly captured the imagination. She admitted that she was such a fan that she even had a shirt with the famous phrase “Teach Me How to Jimmer,” a clear and nostalgic nod to her childhood idol.

The story is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that a single player can have on a new generation, even if their career paths are wildly different. While Fredette’s NBA career was a bust, his time at BYU was nothing short of legendary. He was a cultural phenomenon, a scoring machine whose ability to shoot from anywhere on the court made him a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere. His “Jimmer” mania, a kind of feverish, national obsession with his every move, was a brief but unforgettable moment in basketball history. And for a young Caitlin Clark, a student of the game who was just beginning to hone her skills, Fredette was a source of inspiration, a reminder that with enough creativity and audacity, you could truly redefine the game.

The fact that Clark, a generational talent who has become a cultural icon in her own right, is so willing to give credit to Fredette is a testament to her profound sense of humility and her deep understanding of the history of the game. She is not just a player; she is a student of the game, a person who is constantly learning, absorbing, and evolving her craft. Her confession is a powerful and heartwarming reminder that even the biggest stars are influenced by a wide range of players, from the legends of the past to the cult heroes of a bygone era. It is a story about the collective genius of the game and a player who is a product of a lifetime of dedication and study.

In the end, the story of Caitlin Clark and Jimmer Fredette is more than just a fun anecdote. It is a powerful and profound commentary on the nature of greatness. It is a reminder that a legacy is not just about the championships you win or the records you break, but about the profound impact you have on the people who are watching, who are learning, and who are inspired by your every move. Clark’s tribute to Fredette is a powerful and beautiful reminder that even in the world of professional basketball, a single childhood idol can have a lasting and unforgettable impact on the next generation of greatness.