Paige Bueckers won, snagged that one title, and carried the season on her back. Yet, when you scroll through social media, you see Bueckers being compared to Caitlin Clark, forgetting that they are very different players. Here’s the thing: While Clark was the better playmaker and scorer, Bueckers helped her team through injuries by defending opposing post players and showed Bueckers. But most would agree that the Clark Effect brought in a lot of visibility to women’s basketball; Something that we haven’t seen in years.

While Bueckers aspires to enter the WNBA, before she can run, she might need to dodge Clark’s long shadow. You see, the Iowa-South Carolina final in 2024 recorded 18.9 million viewers and even left behind the men’s championship that saw 14.8 million viewers. What about this year? Well, UConn versus South Carolina recorded 8.5 million viewers—That’s about 10 million viewers lost, and these numbers gave Clark’s fans to rave further about ‘The Caitlin Clark Effect’.

Both athletes have been compared to each other for years since their high school days, and it is not like they could have escaped it. Both were highly touted Midwestern queens, lighting up the same AAU circuit and landing in ESPN’s top five prospects. Their vision, buttery shots, and game-shifting skills had scouts drooling. But now, Bueckers’ college title gives her the edge, while Clark’s got the scoring crown, including the NCAA’s all-time record. But the recent point of comparison is something that Bueckers cannot erase by her remarkable ability to read defenses. And the difference seems to be staggering!

Last year, the Final Four games had more than 21 million views—14.2 million for Iowa-UConn and 7.2 million for NC State-South Carolina. The first game had a Clark vs Bueckers matchup, while the second one had undefeated South Carolina. This year? Less than 8 million: 4.1 million viewers for UConn-UCLA and 3.6 million viewers for South Carolina-Texas. The more noticeable drop was the national championship, which saw just 8.5 million viewers. This number, though the third-most watched ever, still looked tiny.

However, ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo brushed off the numbers, betting big on Paige Bueckers’ future. “Since she’s stepped foot on the Storrs campus, she’s looked at as a pro, pro ready… she can always get to the spots on the floor she wants to get to… she can get her spots, she can score… she’s got great size, she’s gotten stronger, she’s always been elite on how she thinks the game… she’s simply ready.

“Much like last year when we thought Caitlin Clark’s game would translate, I think Paige’s game will translate. I expect a similar efficiency from her at the pro level. She’s a special talent,” she said, per Moreau Sports Media Prod Co.

“Caitlin and Paige are very different players. The range on her shot, the way they play, are very different, but their impact is significant… Can you throw that similar defense stuff at [Paige] when she has Arike Ogunbowale alongside of her… it’ll be interesting to see how quickly Paige’s game translates. She and Caitlin are very different on how they play… just as impact fully, however.”

Top Comment by Freddy

These comparisons are so ridiculous. It is just «analysts» trying to get eyes and ears to justify what ESPN is...more

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Lobo’s stance is strong, but perhaps there are other reasons as to why Bueckers’ time wasn’t as entertaining as Clark’s. This year, there was no massive storyline of rivalry like that of Clark-Reese. People were initially excited about a potential Bueckers vs Watkins match. But Juju Watkins’ ACL injury sidelined her, and thus, the hype. And the fact that UConn looked unbeatable the entire season did not help. The team did not have that ‘underdog’ touch to its victory, leaving little room for drama. The Huskies torched opponents by 197 points on their way to the national championship.

To be honest, no one can deny the presence of a ‘Clark effect,’ but ignoring other factors places an unfair burden on Bueckers — a player many, including Clark herself, believe will usher in a new wave of greatness in the WNBA.

What does Caitlin Clark have to say about Paige Bueckers?

There is already a lot of buzz around possible high-profile and high-octane games when Clark and Bueckers will face each other on the big stage. But the reigning Rookie of the Year has nothing but praise for her opponent. Despite the constant comparisons between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, the maestro guard did not shy away from speaking highly about Paige.

Earlier this week, Clark joined WNBA icons Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on ESPN’s broadcast of the NCAA title game between UConn and South Carolina. When asked about her views on Paige Bueckers, Clark seemingly expected that question and was quick to praise the UConn star.

“I think she’ll honestly fit right in,” Clark said. “[College Park Center] is fun to play in, too. It’s a small place, it’s loud. You know honestly, they should move every game to American Airlines because I think Paige has that type of draw. She’ll be able to bring those types of fans in.”

Talking further about what qualities she believes will help Bueckers the most as she transitions to W, Clark said, “I think her poise. That’s something you need coming into the W,” Clark said. “It all hits you so fast. You’re moving to a new city, you’re trying to understand your teammates, while you’re trying to live up to all these expectations. And I think that’s one of the greatest things about her game is just her poise and her maturity, and nothing ever seems to faze her. And she’s just always the same constant leader.”

Clark has also said before that what really stands out about Paige Bueckers is how tough she is. She’s been through a lot, but you’d never know it by the way she handles herself—on the court and off. Clark mentioned that ever since they were in middle school, Paige Bueckers has always been the same: Hardworking, fiery, and a natural leader. None of that’s changed. And the respect is mutual. They acknowledge each other’s skills and competitive spirit, recognizing that they both have a massive desire to win. And for the WNBA, it’s a win-win situation. Both superstars will take the league to the next level. What do you think?