Kate Martin is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum praises her special ability, with unanimous agreement from everyone: “She makes people better”

Former Iowa standout Kate Martin is making quite an impression in Las Vegas. Aces star Kelsey Plum had nothing but praise for the former Hawkeye, saying she’s an “amazing sponge,” and that “she makes people better” on the court.

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Las Vegas Aces

It certainly sounds like Kate Martin has a bright future in the WNBA. That’s according to Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum, who praised the former Iowa standout in a recent Zoom interview with reporters.

Martin, a second-round selection by the Aces in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has been playing for a roster spot ever since hearing her name called in mid-April. It sounds like she’s made quite the impression on Plum, a two-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion in the league.

The former Hawkeye is also making an impression on coach Becky Hammon.

“Kate Martin is awesome. Kate Martin picks up things so quickly, she’s an amazing sponge,” Plum said. “I think Becky nicknamed her Kate ‘Money’ Martin. I think that’s gonna stick.

“And when I say ‘money,’ it’s not just about scoring and stuff, she’s just in the right place at the right time. She just makes people better. And that’s what Becky values, that’s what our coaching staff values and that’s why she’s gonna be a great asset to our team.”

Martin played at Iowa from 2019-24, helping lead the Hawkeyes to three Big Ten Tournament titles and a pair of NCAA national championship game appearances. She had the best season of her career in 2023-24, averaging 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Martin survived another round of team cuts, putting her closer to earning a roster spot with the Aces for the regular season. Las Vegas doesn’t have a preseason game until Saturday, May 11, playing the Peurto Rico National Team.

As for Martin, her goal is simple: Put everything she has on the court every single rep.

“I’m not trying to prove anything, I’m trying to be myself,” she said, “give my best effort every single rep.”

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CAITLIN CLARK ‘GOES TO PIECES’ AFTER CHRISTIE SIDES – THE COACH SHE ALWAYS TRUSTED THE MOST – DOES CLARK AN ‘DIRTY TRICK’ BY BLAMING HER AFTER ANOTHER BLOWOUT LOSS

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides was dealt an an honor and a curse when the organization selected Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft

The Fever have played two games this season, both resulting in blowout losses. They recently lost to the New York Liberty 102-66 in their home opener.

Sides has been under fire for her inability to coach Clark, with many fans calling for her firing. The Fever have struggled mightily, but Sides views these problems to be mainly on the defensive side of the ball.

“Don’t let them keep punking us. Give it back,” said Sides, per Scott Agness on X.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks up the court Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 83-80.

Indiana seems to be struggling on every level of the floor. While Sides may want the team to have a defensive identity, she may need to change her view, given the offensive weapons on the Fever.

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides was clearly annoyed after a 36-point loss to the New York Liberty on Thursday night.

Sides kicked off her postgame press conference by calling the Fever’s performance “unacceptable,” especially since it was their home opener.

“We’ve got to do a better job. We’ve got to make the fans proud with what we put on the floor,” Sides said. “And I will take it. We didn’t do that tonight. And that’s unacceptable.”

A reporter then mentioned how Indiana went through a similar rough patch last season. When asked how the Fever can get better, Sides had an interesting response.

“I think some experience, I think we changed the lineup a little bit,” Sides said. “We decided to go to work on the defensive end of the floor in practice. That’s kind of the issue – we don’t have any practice time to go fix this right now.”

Sides needed a few seconds to collect the rest of her thoughts before saying, “We just have to get better.”

There’s far more pressure on Sides this season because of the arrival of Caitlin Clark. Fans expect the Fever to bring their A-game each night.