UConn star Paige Bueckers praises Caitlin Clark (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Paige Bueckers looks set to take over as the next face of women’s college basketball after Caitlin Clark transitioned to the WNBA. But before that, she extended her appreciation for Clark and her impact on the sport both at the college level and in the pro league.

On Friday, Bueckers engaged in interviews with the media at Storrs when she said:

“I think it’s just a high level of basketball. A lot of new eyes are watching and they’re impressed with the talent and impressed with the level of physicality. But that’s kind of what the league has been. I think Caitlin has brought so many new eyes to the game, and we appreciate that.

PHOTO: UConn star Paige Bueckers and teammate Jana El Alfy pose with a huge Hulk Lego

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“When people tune in to watch her they leave the game fans of so many more [players]. I think the game is growing a lot. People are learning about the W and how great it is, the talent level, how many stars there are. It’s impressive. I think the rookie class is doing extremely well and just to see the level of talent and just the teams and how well they’re doing is fun to watch.”

Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark have known each other since their youth basketball days when they played in the AAU and also for Team USA. They also had many battles against each other in college.

With Bueckers confirming that this will be the final season in college, there is a chance that the two could finally play for the same team. The UConn guard is a predicted No. 1 pick and if Indiana’s poor season continues, they could have the top pick.

Paige Bueckers says she does not want to be the face of the league

Paige Bueckers joined the UConn Huskies in 2020 as the No. 1 ranked recruit of the class. She drew much attention as a freshman, but that decreased as she struggled with injuries and missed a season. With the return of a healthy Bueckers, the attention is back on her.

However, Paige Bueckers shared during a March Madness interview that she hopes to share the spotlight with all players.

“I think media coverage is important for the game,” Bueckers said (via On3). “I think it grows the game. But 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 and not just focus on one particular player, whether it be me, Caitlin, JuJu, Angel.

“There’s so many names in college basketball now that are huge, that are stars that deserve credit. So I honestly hope next year I’m not the focal point and the only person that gets attention. And I hope, as media, as players we can spread the love a little bit more.”

Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies prepare to give their star guard her best chance at winning the championship before she leaves.

What do you think of Paige Bueckers in the WNBA? Let us know in the comment section below.

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