Dan Patrick, who never backs down from a good hoops debate, recently drew a clear distinction between two of the top players in women’s basketball. While acknowledging Paige Bueckers as the favorite of true hoop heads, the seasoned broadcaster named Caitlin Clark the face of casual fans on his show. It’s an intriguing and equitable framing.
In a way not often seen in women’s basketball, Clark has become a household name. For fans who might otherwise only watch for March Madness, her logo-range threes, swagger, and talent for big moments make her the ideal entry point. She is the type of player who can transcend timelines and start discussions in barbershops and office break rooms; she is ESPN highlight reel gold. Even casual fans enjoy spectacle, and Clark provides plenty of it, literally.
However, Bueckers? She has a distinct kind of fan base. For years, basketball purists—those who are fixated on footwork, pace, vision, and the nuances that aren’t always evident in box scores—have been following the Paige train.
The UConn guard plays with a polish and fluidity that makes some people think of Diana Taurasi or a young Sue Bird. She can impress you without dropping the deep bomb. Rather, it’s the quiet way she manages a game without trying, the well-timed pass, and the patience in pick-and-rolls.
Patrick’s separation makes sense. The headline is Clark. The deep cut is Bueckers. While one attracts the general public, the other garners admiration from coaches, athletes, and hoops enthusiasts who value the subtleties of the sport. However, what’s amazing is how both athletes embody the current boom in the sport.
College basketball for women is experiencing a surge in popularity. These players are turning into cultural icons, arenas are packing, and social media buzz is stronger than ever. Instead of vying for each other’s attention, Clark and Bueckers are cooperating—one attracting new viewers, the other retaining them.
Ultimately, Patrick’s framing effectively conveys the game’s dual beauty. Both the technicians and the show-stoppers have space. And both are currently available in women’s basketball, at the highest possible level.
