Caitlin Clark and UConn guard Paige Bueckers have been compared since their freshman seasons. Both players were exceptional early on, as Clark earned the National Freshman of the Year Award and Bueckers took home both the Freshman of the Year and the Naismith Trophy, but both are deadset on making their own legacy in the sport.
Fans of the two superstars and women’s basketball were shocked when the announcers compared them during a recent Huskies game.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers’ Ongoing Comparison
Even though Clark is now in the WNBA and Bueckers is still in college, the comparisons have not stopped, sparking ongoing discussions among fans and analysts alike. During UConn’s game against Providence on Sunday, CBS Sports commentator Julianne Viani-Braen made the latest contribution to the Clark-Bueckers debate.
While discussing Bueckers’ playstyle, she praised the UConn guard.
“What I’ve always loved about her game is she doesn’t force anything. She’s not gonna go out there and take 40 shots. She isn’t that kind of player.”
She then went on to make a comparison to Clark.
“I know we’ve talked about the Caitlin Clark’s of the day. Now Caitlin Clark in the WNBA. They’re different kinds of players, and there’s really no comparing them because Paige Bueckers, she’s just an all-around versatile player. She’s going to get people the ball, she’s going to get her shot, but she’s going to let the game come to her.”
Viani-Braen’s comments quickly caught the attention of Clark’s fanbase. While she had praised Bueckers’ skill set, many felt it was unnecessary to mention Clark in the conversation. This sentiment was expressed across social media, particularly on Twitter.
One fan shared a video of the moment with the caption, “WTF was announcing this game???”
Another user commented, “I promise you can praise Paige without bringing Caitlin into it.”
The responses echo the frustration that many fans have felt about the constant comparisons between the two players in recent years. The comparisons between Clark and Bueckers have been a hot topic for years, and this recent comment reignited the debate. While Viani-Braen did acknowledge that both players are different, she still found it necessary to bring up Clark.
One fan pointed out the contradiction in Viani-Braen’s statements.
“‘There’s really no comparing them’ yet goes on to compare them😭😭 look like no denying Paige is great but like there is no ‘Caitlin before Caitlin.’ Caitlin also showed up in big games…”
Another fan was particularly critical of the comparison.
“Saying Caitlin takes 40 shots a game and can’t be compared to Paige because she’s an ‘all-around versatile player’ while Paige is playing ‘Providence’ and Caitlin is fresh off a WNBA ROTY season where she finished fourth in MVP voting is deranged, but maybe that’s just me.”
This fan pointed out that Clark had not only played at an elite level in college but had also transitioned to the WNBA and performed at a high level there.
The Different Styles of Clark and Bueckers
While both players have been exceptional throughout their careers, they are known for different playing styles. Clark is known for her ability to take over games by scoring, often taking a large volume of shots. She’s also known for her deep three-pointers, her ability to score in a variety of ways, and her aggressive approach to the game.
Bueckers, on the other hand, is often praised for her all-around versatility. She is known for her basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and knack for involving her teammates. Viani-Braen highlighted this.
“Paige Bueckers—she’s just an all-around versatile player, she’s going to get people the ball, she’s going to get her shot, but she’s going to let the game come to her.”
This distinction in playing styles leads to constant comparisons. While Clark is known for being more of a scorer and a player who can take over a game with her offensive production, Bueckers is praised for her well-rounded game and ability to spread out the scoring.
Both players have strengths that make them special, but they excel in different areas of the game, which fuels the ongoing debate over who is better.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players in 2025
Moreover, both players are among the best in women’s basketball. Clark is now in the WNBA and has already made an impact there, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and finishing fourth in MVP voting in her rookie season.
Bueckers, meanwhile, continues to play at a high level in college and is expected to make a similar impact when she transitions to the next level. With so much at stake for both players, the comparisons are likely to continue as long as they remain in the spotlight, whether in college or beyond.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
