You know that saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman”? Well, in the case of Connor McCaffery and the rest of his basketball-loving family, it might just be Caitlin Clark working her magic. The WNBA sensation has just had a stellar rookie season—and apparently, her influence is seeping into her boyfriend’s brother, Patrick McCaffery, too.

Sure, the McCaffery brothers already come from a basketball legacy. Their dad, Fran McCaffery, is Iowa’s men’s basketball coach. But Patrick is making the headlines himself after his red-hot start with the Butler Bulldogs. Could it be Clark’s little extra motivation? Maybe! And not to miss, they have the same jersey number, #22. 

The X handle of College Basketball Reference confirmed that the Bulldogs’ starting forward is ranking third in the Big East in three-point field goal percentage at 50.0%. Through five starts, he’s been logging 33 minutes per outing, averaging 14.4 points and 4.4 rebounds. While there’s no real connection between his improved shooting and Clark, it might just be the Caitlin Clark Effect.

McCaffery shot just 31% from deep last season on 0.8 makes per game. This season, he is shooting 50% on a stunning 3.2 makes per game. That’s a big rise in not just his attempts, but also his shooting percentage. This comes after his five solid years playing under his dad at Iowa.

The no. 22 entered the transfer portal in his sixth year back in April and announced he was taking his talents to Butler. The move seems to be paying off, as he’s quickly become an integral part of the Bulldogs’ lineup. Depending on how things shake out next, he could take a more prominent role. 

And you know, a few months after his commitment, Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend joined the Bulldogs as an assistant coach after spending time with the Indiana Pacers. Moreover, their younger brother, Jack McCaffery, who is currently an Iowa high school senior, is also committed to Butler’s 2025 recruiting class. 

That’s a solid family reunion. To turn it into an Iowa reunion, where, by the way, the Fever star and Connor started their relationship, CC is often present at the stand cheering for the McCaffery brothers. In fact, she was in attendance at the last game, too. 

Caitlin Clark’s courtside presence at Bulldogs games

Caitlin Clark was recently spotted courtside at Hinkle Fieldhouse. In the game against Merrimack College, she showed up wearing a Bulldogs hoodie with the school’s iconic mascot, front and center. And Butler crushed their opponents 78-39 by dominating the second half by outscoring Merrimack 41-8.

Coincidence? Maybe. But if you ask fans, Clark was the lucky charm. She’s been a regular at Butler games this season, cheering on her boyfriend and the McCaffery brothers from the stands. 

But that game wasn’t just any ordinary win for Butler. They were a force throughout. Pierre Brooks II led the team with an impressive 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Andre Scheen chipped in with 12 points and nine boards off the bench. 

The Bulldogs now sit at 4-1 on the season, and through it all, you can bet Clark’s support hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or players. Now, with Patrick finding his rhythm at Butler, Connor in the coaching role, and Jack on the horizon, it’s safe to say the Bulldogs have become a McCaffery stronghold. And you just know Caitlin will be there every step of the way.