Draft night celebrates the journey and the promise of what’s ahead. For Paige Bueckers, it should have been a moment to soak in the glory of being the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She had just led UConn to a national championship, making her achievement impossible to ignore.

Bueckers made history as the sixth player to win a national title and be selected No. 1 overall the same year. Five of those six players were from UConn, showcasing the program’s excellence. In her final season, Bueckers was the only Division I player to average 30 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three. Her rise wasn’t just about stats; it sparked excitement for the WNBA, especially with the Dallas Wings. After a tough 9-31 season, the Wings hoped Bueckers could turn things around.

Yet, the night took an unexpected turn when former Fox analyst Skip Bayless couldn’t resist inserting himself into the conversation. Instead of letting the night belong to the young star, Bayless made waves with an unsolicited comparison to Caitlin Clark. His comments quickly drew criticism.

Bayless spoke about the expectations for the 2025 season, saying, “A year ago, we saw Caitlin Clark come into the WNBA with a lot of expectations. How was her game going to translate?” He added, “Well, it translated beautifully. And I think we’re going to see something very similar with Paige Bueckers this year. I think she’s going to come in and be incredibly efficient like the player we saw her be in college and have a chance to lead the Dallas Wings to potentially contend for a playoff spot.”

The internet noticed the moment too. One user, Ak on Twitter, captured it with:

Clark’s rookie season was historic, despite the Indiana Fever’s 1-8 start. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, leading the league in assists. Her free-throw shooting was nearly flawless at 90.6%, and she never missed a game, playing 35.4 minutes per game. Her all-around dominance helped set multiple records, solidifying her as a rising star.

Much like Clark, Bueckers is poised to make a similar immediate impact. With her history of efficiency and leadership, she is primed to help the Dallas Wings contend for a playoff spot, just as Clark’s performance paved the way for her own success.

That’s when the backlash kicked into high gear. On his X (formerly Twitter), Bayless took the comparison further, writing, “Paige Bueckers is more athletic and a better midrange jump shooter than Caitlin Clark. But she doesn’t have Caitlin’s ‘It’ factor, basketball charisma, and aura. Nobody does. Caitlin is ‘Her.’”

While comparisons are part of the sports world, Bayless’ take rubbed many fans the wrong way. His statement felt like an undermining of Bueckers’ accomplishments on a night that should have been all about her. The response was swift and strong across social media, with many fans calling out the tired practice of comparing female athletes to one another—especially when they are at the peak of their own achievements.

Award-winning sports broadcaster Shane Sparks was one of those who voiced his frustration. He took to X to call out Bayless for missing the point: “Really Skip? Can’t you just say congratulations and be done with it? Tonight is about Paige and the other women being drafted.”

The criticism grew louder, as more fans rallied around Bueckers, reminding everyone that she earned her spot as the No. 1 pick on her own merits. She is Paige Bueckers, a national champion, a three-time first-team All-American, and the future of the WNBA. Bueckers doesn’t need to measure her success against anyone else’s. Her path is her own, and it’s more than enough.

This moment wasn’t just about Bayless’ comparison. It highlighted a broader issue in women’s sports: the constant pressure to pit athletes against each other, despite their distinct careers and accomplishments. Bueckers has built her own legacy, and it isn’t defined by anyone else’s shadow.

Despite the noise, Bueckers’ draft night stayed positive and celebratory. Fans shared her highlights and expressed excitement for her future with the Dallas Wings. Bueckers reflected on her journey, saying, “It took a village. So, I’m extremely grateful to them.”

Bueckers’ skill, leadership, and resilience will help her make an immediate impact in the WNBA. The Dallas Wings now have a player who can elevate their program. And Bueckers will have the chance to do what she does best: be herself.

Paige Bueckers’ Emotional Journey from UConn to Dallas New Journey

Paige Bueckers’ journey from UConn to the WNBA was about more than just basketball. It was about the bonds she built, the teammates who became sisters, and the deep gratitude she held for those who supported her. When UConn subbed her out for the last time in their title win over South Carolina, her emotion was raw.

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she was once again moved when talking about her UConn teammates. She paused, struggling to hold back tears. “They’ve changed my life, those’re my sisters,” Bueckers said, her voice wavering. “I just love them so much and they’re gonna be my sisters for life.”

Though Bueckers has reached the WNBA, she stayed focused on those who helped her get there. She credited her teammates, Kaitlyn Chen and Aubrey Griffin, urging teams to draft them. Even as her life was about to change, her love for her UConn family was clear.

As the draft announcement echoed through the room, Bueckers faced a new chapter—one that would take her from the familiar surroundings of Storrs, Connecticut, to Dallas. It was a city she had never called home, but now it was where her future would unfold. “Dallas, I’m so excited,” Bueckers said with determination. “Just a new city, new start, a fresh start.”

But for all the excitement of a fresh start, the weight of leaving behind UConn and the people who had shaped her wasn’t lost on her. Her emotional journey wasn’t just about basketball. It was about the ties that bound her to the past and the promise of what lay ahead. As she heads to Dallas to begin her professional career with the Wings, it’s clear that Bueckers is ready to take on this new challenge. Yet, no matter where she goes, the lessons and love from her time at UConn will continue to guide her forward.