Former teammates are going head to head in the Final Four.
As the anticipation builds for Friday night’s Final Four contest between UConn and Iowa, the connected histories between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are driving the narrative. While Clark praised her former teammate in the press, Bueckers revealed that she has a big problem with how much attention Clark gets from the media.
Paige Bueckers admits her issue with Caitlin Clark
When asked about filling the role as the face of college basketball once the Iowa star plays her final game, Bueckers insisted that she does not want to be like Caitlin Clark because of the negative impact the circus around her has on the sport and its other stars.
“I think it’s more important for the game to share the spotlight. To grow the game and show all the stars of college basketball, not just focus on one particular player,” Bueckers said Thursday.
As a former “media darling” herself during her freshman season, prior to multiple long-term injuries, Bueckers knows what it’s like to get put on the pedestal, and she doesn’t like it.
“I honestly hope next year I’m not the focal point and the only person that gets attention. I hope as media, as players, we can spread the love a little bit more,” she added.
Bueckers called out the media at the ESPYS in 2021
Her criticism is focused on the media, not Clark. Her comments about Clark in 2024 follow a similar line of thinking to her impactful ESPYS speech in 2021, back when she had the spotlight on her.
“With the light that I have now as a White woman who leads a Black-led sport and celebrated here, I want to shed a light on Black women,” she said while accepting her ESPY award in 2021.. “They don’t get the media coverage that they deserve.”
“Sports media holds the key to storylines. Sports media and sponsors tell us who is valuable, and you have told the world that I mattered today, and everyone who voted, thank you. But I think we should use this power together to also celebrate Black women,” she said.
Her three-year-old speech still feels very poignant in 2024 given the racial overtones of the Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese saga that has played out the past two seasons.
Clearly, Paige is not a fan of one player getting all the shine. The good news for her is that on Friday, the pressure will be shared between her former teammate and herself, as she tries to end Caitlin Clark’s college career and usher in a new era a little early.
News
Kanye REVEALS Details About Diddy’s TAPES Of Politicians *IN BED*, Secret Hollywood Elites
Kanye REVEALS Details About Diddy’s TAPES Of Politicians *IN BED*, Secret Hollywood Elites. . . Kanye West shed light on Diddy’s immoral behavior in video discovered from deleted Drink Champs interview Sean Combs is facing lawsuits over sexual misconduct…
Brittney Griner wants to show doubters what’s under her pants and insists she’s a woman
Brittney Griner has boldly confronted her critics with a powerful message of self-assurance and defiance. In a recent statement, she challenged those who question her identity and strength, declaring, “Come and I’ll show you. I’m a woman.” With this assertive…
VIDEO: Caitlin Clark making a fanstatic assist while Dallas Wings defender commit 4 fouls! This is UNREAL
This assist is UNREAL! Brilliant Caitlin Clarke is absolutely brilliant! CC is a player it was great seeing women’s basketball, I only hope that next year the players play with respect and honesty towards the rookies. The fans deserve better…
Hurricane Milton live updates: More than 2 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton plowed into Florida as a Category 3 storm Wednesday, bringing misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene, pounding cities with winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) after producing a barrage of tornadoes, but sparing…
Dijonai Carrington WRECKED online for sideline Blowup before getting BOOTED from the WNBA Playoffs
Dijonai Carrington WRECKED online for sideline Blowup before getting BOOTED from the WNBA Playoffs! . . Alyssa Thomas and DiJonai Carrington appeared frustrated with each other during a Connecticut Sun timeout huddle during their WNBA Semifinals loss. Oct 8, 2024;…
Caitlin Clark JEALOUSY is INSANE! Brittney Griner SCREAMS RACISM! WNBA ready to ARREST “RACIST” FANS
Caitlin Clark JEALOUSY is INSANE! Brittney Griner SCREAMS RACISM! WNBA ready to ARREST “RACIST” FANS WNBA players say league needs to do more to address abuse by ‘new fans’. NEW YORK, Sept 27 (Reuters) – WNBA players say the…
End of content
No more pages to load