The next chapter in the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers is officially underway – and the basketball world is already heating up over who will shine brightest in their WNBA rookie campaigns.
Just as expected, the Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, following a blueprint similar to last season when the Indiana Fever made Caitlin Clark the top selection.
But while both stars are preparing for their professional debuts, social media has already turned the page to the inevitable comparisons between the two generational talents.
Fans Fuel Rookie Season Debate Between Bueckers and Clark
Even though Clark has remained publicly silent about the draft or any comparison chatter, social media users wasted no time debating which young star will have the better rookie year.
“Will Paige have a better rookie year than Caitlin Clark?” one fan asked online, capturing the buzz swirling around the league.
Others argued that Bueckers – had it not been for injuries during her collegiate career at UConn – would have been considered superior to Clark.
“I’m probably not the only one who will say this… Paige is better than Caitlin. If not for those injuries her college career would’ve been head & shoulders ahead of Caitlin’s. She’s just a better overall player… Clark’s a shooter, Paige is a basketball player. JMHO,” one fan wrote on social media.
Some pointed to Bueckers‘ growing social media following as proof of her rising stardom, suggesting she could soon surpass Clark‘s popularity.
“Paige is already close to Caitlin in Instagram followers, she will blow by her soon. Clark has been playing pro basketball for a year. Bueckers is not only the best player in history, she’s the most popular,” another user added.
Others highlighted the key differences in their playing styles – noting Bueckers’ athleticism and midrange game versus Clark’s deep shooting range and on-court charisma.
“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,” another fan commented.
WNBA Rivalry Renewed for June 27 Showdown
Bueckers and Clark have crossed paths before – both were five-star recruits from the high school class of 2020. Bueckers ranked No. 1 overall, while Clark followed closely behind at No. 4.
Their college battles only intensified their rivalry. UConn defeated Iowa in the 2021 Sweet 16, while Clark got her revenge with Iowa knocking off Bueckers‘ squad in the 2024 Final Four.
Now, fans won’t have to wait long for their first WNBA clash. The Wings and Fever are scheduled to face off on June 27, with the game airing on ION and set to take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Whether the rookie of the year debate is settled on the court or continues online, one thing is clear – the WNBA is entering a thrilling new era with Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers leading the charge.
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