Las Vegas Aces' star player, Kelsey Plum, is thrilled to witness Caitlin Clark's impressive rise in women's college basketball, as she approaches breaking Plum's historic career scoring record of 3,527 points. However, Plum recalls the record-setting achievement as a "low point" in her own basketball journey.

Plum, who played for the University of Washington, secured the record on February 25, 2017, after scoring a remarkable 57 points in a home victory against Utah. This performance elevated her above Jackie Stiles' previous career tally of 3,393 points, established in 2001. Yet, it came at a time of elevated stress for Plum.

During a recent interview at a USA Basketball women's team camp at Barclays Center in New York, Plum expressed her gratitude at potentially passing the baton to Clark. She shared, "I'm actually very grateful to pass that baton. I'm very happy for her. If anything, make sure that we show her love outside of her performance. She'll break it. I'm excited for her."

In a previous interview with the Associated Press, Plum had reflected on the pinnacle of her college career. She admitted to feeling a loss of identity and facing a challenging transition into the WNBA due to the high expectations set by her record. She offered words of compassion and love to Clark, emphasizing the importance of people checking in on her mental well-being amidst the pressure. Plum noted that the focus on individual points detracted from the game itself, which she found disheartening.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Plum's WNBA journey has flourished since being chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 Draft. She has earned two WNBA titles with the Aces, made two All-Star appearances, and was crowned the All-Star MVP in 2022. Additionally, Plum achieved the distinction of being a U.S. Olympic gold medalist (3x3) in 2020.

Plum stressed the significance of treating Clark differently and sympathetically, as she was not afforded the same considerations during her record-breaking era. She urged the media to recognize Clark as more than just a basketball player and acknowledge her emotional well-being. Plum commended Clark's composure and grace but reminded everyone that she shoulders a significant burden.

Notably, Clark is no stranger to breaking records herself. During last year's NCAA tournament, she set multiple records, including the most points scored in men's or women's March Madness. In November, Clark surpassed Plum's record for the most 30-point games in Division 1 women's college basketball.

As Clark continues her pursuit of Plum's record, the excitement surrounding her achievements is palpable. A designated camera will capture every moment she touches the ball during her upcoming game against Maryland, streamed live on TikTok. With her current pace, it is anticipated that Clark will break the record when the Iowa Hawkeyes host Michigan on February 15.

In this pivotal moment for women's college basketball, Kelsey Plum's support for Caitlin Clark shines through alongside her own reflection on the challenges faced during her record-setting years. The basketball community eagerly anticipates Clark's landmark accomplishment, while being mindful of the emotional toll it may bring.