Since stars like Caitlin Clark joined the WNBA, the league's popularity and fanbase have significantly grown. Despite an injury limiting Caitlin Clark to 13 games with the Indiana Fever this season, she made a strong impact in her rookie year.
Paige Bueckers also shone brightly during the same season. After winning the NCAA title with UConn and being selected first overall in the draft by the Dallas Wings, she earned the 2025 Rookie of the Year award. The 24-year-old guard was one of only 10 rookies to start in the All-Star Game and made crucial contributions to her team, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 36 games.
Following a fan’s comparison suggesting Bueckers lacked something that Clark possesses, Luisa Geiselsoder, Bueckers' teammate on the Wings, did not hesitate to praise Bueckers and firmly defend her reputation.
"Luisa Geiselsoder did not hesitate to praise her rival, but reaffirmed her opinion in favor of Paige."
Bueckers' impressive rookie season and influence on her team highlight her rising star in the WNBA.
Author's summary: Paige Bueckers, after a standout rookie season, is firmly supported by her teammate Luisa Geiselsoder, countering fan comparisons with Caitlin Clark.