April 3, 2026, 4:13 p.m. ET
- Jalen Rose moderated a panel in Indianapolis with Caitlin Clark and Darryn Peterson about prioritizing well being.
- Rose expressed gratitude for the assist he obtained from Indiana followers throughout his time with the Pacers.
- He praised Caitlin Clark for her professionalism, self-discipline, and influence on the sport of basketball.
- Clark famous the vital development in fan ardour and attendance for the Indiana Fever since her arrival.
INDIANAPOLIS — Make no mistake, Jalen Rose is a Michigan man, however he maintains a particular fondness for the state of Indiana.
In city for the Final Four, the former Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Pacers star moderated a panel dialogue Friday with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, a possible NBA lottery choose, on why prioritizing well being is so important.
Rose obtained a heat reception from these in attendance for the Lilly occasion and took time to work together with the crowd between questions for Clark and Peterson, even bringing one teen up on stage to fulfill the different panelists, each 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,” stated Rose, who performed 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 consideration to Clark, highlighting how plenty of the former Iowa famous person’s brand 3s got here in opposition to his beloved Wolverines earlier in her profession. “You pulled up from the logo three times against us. I was very mad. You were a sophomore,” he stated.
“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 reward of Clark following the occasion, as effectively, calling her a “great ambassador” for the sport and noting her perseverance and the way she’s overcome failure, criticism and harm throughout her profession.
“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 stated. “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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When requested by Rose about enjoying for the Fever and the quantity of assist she and her teammates obtain, Clark recalled how she hoped Indiana would win the 2024 WNBA draft lottery and recounted tales from her teammates about when Gainbridge would solely have one concession stand open throughout video 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 video 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
Rose’s return to Indy and this 12 months’s Final Four is made even sweeter with Michigan set to play Arizona on Saturday night time 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.”
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