Last summer, when CC was snubbed from the Olympics roster, there was one team that knew the kind of potential #22 of the Indiana Fever had. So, a reporter came to the forefront and asked Clark, “If you want the No. 22 of the [Italian] national basketball team, it’s free.” It might’ve sounded like a joke to some, but for those who know Clark’s Sicilian roots, it felt more like a homecoming invitation, an open door to honor her heritage on the international stage. And while CC didn’t take the offer then, the Indiana Fever sensation knows exactly where she comes from. That’s why, even a year later, she didn’t hesitate to embrace her Italian roots!It all came up in a pregame conference before the clash between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, where CC once again encountered a journalist from Italy who asked about her Italian roots. Well, being a granddaughter of Italian descent, CC knew exactly how to answer the question.“I think northern Italy, but actually I was just talking with some of my teammates about this. I was like, I didn’t really get much of the Italian genes…Certainly have Italian roots—my great-grandfather owned a pub on the south side of Des Moines, and there’s a couple of pictures that my mom has, and my grandfather and my grandma have. And he’s just like a big old Italian man—made hamburgers. Like, he was just—I don’t know what else he really did, but he was just a good guy,” CC shared, pouring out all the knowledge she had of her Italian genes. Well, in case you’re unaware, CC’s mother, Anne Nizzi, is the daughter of former Dowling football coach Bob Nizzi, whose last name reflects that he’s from Sicily.Yes, while our Indiana Fever sensation didn’t really get the Italian side of her genes as a phenotype, something her brothers, with darker complexions and thick curly brown hair, clearly did – CC got the cravings. “Italian is also my favorite food. I’ve been lucky enough to go to Italy before,” she added. Well, CC has been like this from the start. In fact, she was known for flexing her “Italian-ness” during her collegiate days.There’s a lot more media, including NBA photographers, at tonight’s Fever-Sun game because of the NBA Finals.That includes a reporter from Italy, who asked Caitlin Clark about her roots. pic.twitter.com/wHNbhIbxDr— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 17, 2025Well, her being Italian isn’t just limited to talks, as her mother was known for making a batch of cannoli, an Italian dessert filled with sweet, creamy filling usually made from ricotta cheese, for the whole team during her four years at Iowa. So, you know how proud CC is of her heritage. While she made sure to share everything she could, she also directed the Italian journalist to the right person for more details – her grandfather. “You can go ask my grandfather. He’ll probably give you the rundown. I think we’re close to behind the bench, so look in that area,” she shared.Her grandfather is the same man who has supported her throughout her journey as a basketball sensation – from picking up the game at five years old to playing alongside older boys, he’s always been in her corner. So it makes perfect sense why his presence behind the bench is so crucial. But as the Fever vs. Sun game unfolded, it seemed he might not have had the best view of Clark’s shining moment that day.How Caitlin Clark’s grandfather ended up witnessing the brutality of the W?While the game started off well, things began to unravel in the second quarter when tensions flared between Caitlin Clark and her collegiate rival, Jacy Sheldon. Everything sparked in the second quarter when heated words were exchanged between Sheldon and Clark, with Clark shoving her. Nothing happened then. It stopped – no fouls, no techs – the game went on. However, the situation intensified in the third quarter.It was when CC was trying to make a pass, and Sheldon kept a tight check on her. Then, things turned physical as Sheldon poked Clark in the eye, sending her reeling back and grabbing her face in pain. What else do you expect? Clark shoved Sheldon off her. But, before things could settle down, Sun center Tina Charles rushed in to break it up. But before she could, Mabrey entered the fray and chest-bumped Clark hard enough to send her crashing to the floor.Jun 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesAnd that’s when the referees stepped in, issuing technical fouls to Clark, Mabrey, and Charles, along with a Flagrant 1 on Sheldon. However, the Fever faithful weren’t having it. Every time Mabrey touched the ball after that, she was met with deafening boos as everyone including commentators and Indiana Fever HC believed Mabrey too deserved the flagrant foul.So that’s how it all unfolded, right in front of Caitlin Clark’s grandfather, who was seated just behind the bench. Definitely not the kind of courtside drama you’d hope to witness. But by the end of the night, with Clark back in rhythm and leading her team to an 88–71 victory over the Sun, those bruises felt more like battle scars.The post Caitlin Clark Takes a Trip Down Memory Lane After a Moment With Italian Reporter appeared first on EssentiallySports.