UConn coach Geno Auriemma sparked a debate with his comments about how Caitlin Clark became one of the most popular players in college.
During an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio on Thursday, Auriemma said his former player Paige Bueckers was initially the face of women’s college basketball after she won every award possible during her freshman season.
According to Auriemma, Clark rose to fame after Bueckers missed time in the next two seasons due to injuries. He added that Clark’s popularity skyrocketed not because she was better than any other player who came before her, but because she did things differently.
“Paige [Bueckers] didn’t play; she missed the whole year,” Auriemma said. “Caitlin [Clark] decides to start making shots from the logo and the place erupts. And it becomes a phenomenon, not because she all of a sudden is a better player than anybody who’s ever played. … But she was doing something that no one had done before.”
However, Auriemma’s comments didn’t sit well with Clark, Iowa, and Fever fans, who felt he downplayed her on- and off-court value.
“Man, Caitlin Clark really hurt this man’s feelings SMH,” one fan said.
More reactions followed.
Comparing Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers’ freshman seasons
Caitlin Clark had the better freshman season than Paige Bueckers from a statistical standpoint. Clark averaged 26.6 points, 7.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds, while Bueckers averaged 20.0 ppg, 5.8 apg and 4.9 rpg. Bueckers was the more efficient shooter, making 52.4% of her field goal attempts, including 46.4% from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Clark shot 47.2% from the field, including 40.6% from 3-point range.
However, Bueckers separated herself with collective success. Clark’s Iowa finished with a 20-10 record, while Bueckers led UConn to a 28-2 record. The Hawkeyes were sent home in the Sweet 16, while the Huskies reached the Final Four.
Bueckers was also viewed as the better all-around player, as her defensive stats stood out. She averaged 2.3 steals. This likely factored into the voters’ minds.
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