“Every time she touches the ball, there’s some type of scheme defensively on her,” said Petersen. “Yet she has consistently produced great numbers. That’s when you know you’ve got somebody special.
“In games against big teams, she almost has to be perfect for us to pull off some stuff and she’s done that with some incredible games. She is such an efficient player and you see the versatility she has added this year with the 3-ball. She is willing to put in the time to be better.”
Coach Kenny Brooks likes the way she has evolved as a vocal leader also even though she recently only turned 20.
“She is supposed to be a sophomore age-wise. She is still developing as a vocal leader,” the Kentucky coach said. “You think she can be more and she can but it has to happen organically. She is a quiet kid by nature, so she has grown into this role.
“She has always been a lead by example player. Now she is talking more and has the respect of teammates. She is also one of the smartest basketball players I have ever coached and is learning to communicate all that information to her teammates. I still think she is in a really good position to lead our team.”
Strack broke her own single season blocked shot record this season and became the first UK player to have consecutive seasons with 70 or more blocks. She has averaged a double-double this season but also improved her passing and 3-point shot.
“She is the best center in the country. There I said it,” Brooks said. “She has the stats to prove it. There are a lot of centers out there who dominate in one area, maybe two. Clara is an offensive threat, double digits in rebounding, one of the top shot blockers in the country, one of the best passing post players in the country and she can play 35 to 37 minutes (per game).
“She is the anchor of our defense. She is the one back there barking and telling everybody where they need to be and what they need to do. We are much better because of it. We are very fortunate that we do have her.”
