Caitlin Clark is well aware of what to expect from Paige Bueckers as she prepares for her WNBA debut.
Bueckers is set to challenge Clark for the Rookie of the Year title after ESPN reported that she intends to enter the WNBA draft. The 23-year-old UConn star is projected to be the first overall pick, just as Clark was last year. The two have faced off twice in college, but their connection dates back even further. Clark has previously praised Bueckers’ ability to compete at the highest level, describing her game as “smooth” and effortless. “She’s always been able to go up against the best,” Clark said last year, adding that Bueckers’ hard work and dominance have remained constant throughout her career.
Although Bueckers had initially planned to enter the WNBA earlier, an ACL injury sidelined her for the 2022-23 season. Clark believes that setback only highlighted Bueckers’ resilience, calling her a dedicated player and a natural leader. “She’s always had that fire,” Clark said.
Bueckers demonstrated her leadership by guiding UConn to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, scoring a career-high 40 points in an 82-59 victory over Oklahoma. There had been speculation that she might delay her WNBA entry, possibly staying at UConn or joining the new Unrivaled league. Reports suggested she preferred being drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks rather than the Dallas Wings, who hold the top pick.
However, Bueckers seems committed to the WNBA while staying focused on winning a national title with UConn. Following their win over Oklahoma, the Huskies will face USC in the Elite Eight. “At this point in the season, everyone wants to keep winning,” Bueckers told Sky Sports. “You try to stay in the present, take it one game at a time, and maximize each moment.” She acknowledged that this will be her final season at UConn but emphasized the importance of staying focused on the task at hand.
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