{"id":319409,"date":"2025-11-28T22:19:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T22:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/319409\/"},"modified":"2025-11-28T22:19:05","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T22:19:05","slug":"former-no-1-pick-issues-clear-verdict-on-caitlin-clark-vs-paige-bueckers-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/319409\/","title":{"rendered":"Former No. 1 Pick Issues Clear Verdict on Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers Debate"},"content":{"rendered":"

They say great paths often run parallel, and that\u2019s Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers in a nutshell. Their rivalry began the moment they entered college, and it hasn\u2019t slowed since. The similarities only fuel it: both averaged 19.2 points as freshmen, and both won WNBA Rookie of the Year. Naturally, that keeps the whole of the WNBA community divided, and now an Indiana Fever star has picked her favorite.<\/p>\n

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As Candace Parker asked Boston to choose her pick between Caitlin and Paige on the \u201cPost Moves\u201d podcast, the answer came loud and clear. Former No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston made her stance quite clear on the subject that it is Clark, and it wasn\u2019t the least bit surprising. Reason? You have it from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy girl Caitlin, you knew that,\u201d Boston said<\/a>. Well, we all did Aliyah, and there were no points for guessing either. These two are known to share a great rapport on and off the court. Their camaraderie and bonding are not unknown to the WNBA admirers, and once, even Clark went on record to say how Boston has been such a blessing to have around.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s such a positive light in our locker room\u2026 she\u2019s been somebody that\u2019s been really helpful throughout my rookie year, obviously having gone through it just a year ago\u2026 I\u2019m really thankful for her,\u201d acknowledged the modern-day WNBA icon. The friendship also translates on court as the duo made quite a stat together.<\/p>\n

Aliyah Boston has averaged 14.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in a total of 53 games with Clark by her side. In fact, Aliyah Boston has 170 assists with Caitlin Clark in her career. Both the 2023 and 2024 Rookie of the Year excels in each other\u2019s presence and have gone on record to say that combining with her to find the openings is their favorite part of the game.<\/p>\n

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Imago<\/p>\n

But is that enough to satisfy the skeptics? For them, Boston\u2019s view can just be deemed as a friend\u2019s bias. Let\u2019s see what has happened when these CC and Paige have played against one another.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Clark and Bueckers prepare to share the same jersey<\/p>\n

Clark and Bueckers have crossed paths three times, each meeting adding fuel to their growing legend. Their first clash came in the 2021 Sweet 16, where Clark\u2019s 21 points weren\u2019t enough to stop Iowa from falling 92-72. Bueckers delivered 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, steering UConn through. Their second showdown flipped the script, with Clark powering a tight 71-69 win despite Bueckers\u2019 resilient 17-point effort. But W is a different ball game.<\/p>\n

Their most recent meeting came in July 2025, when Clark\u2019s Indiana Fever topped Bueckers\u2019 Dallas Wings 102-83. Clark logged 14 points and 13 assists, while Bueckers countered with 21 points, reminding everyone of their elite feel for the game. We\u2019ve seen how fiercely they battle when facing each other, but what would it look like if these two basketball minds shared the same team?<\/p>\n

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers<\/a> have teamed up before on USA Basketball\u2019s junior squads, but this time the stage is far bigger. Both stars have now been invited to the USA Basketball national training camp, a crucial step toward senior-team selection. The camp, set for December 12-14, will feature some of the WNBA\u2019s biggest names, including Jackie Young, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Kahleah Copper.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, Clark and Bueckers will be indispensable members of the squad as they look to defend their FIBA Women\u2019s Basketball World Cup next year.<\/p>\n

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