NBA legend Charles Barkley has always had a knack for spotting talent and standing up for young athletes. First, it was Caitlin Clark, and now he’s got his eyes set on UConn Huskies’ Paige Bueckers. As the 2021 AP Player of the Year gets ready to play her final college season, some fans and analysts have been debating her potential impact on the WNBA. While Barkley strongly believes in the 22-year-old’s potential, this one thing might hinder her momentum. But if she can sort it out, she’ll be one of the best in the world.

Unfortunately, Bueckers has faced injuries way more frequently than she would have liked. “If that girl stays healthy, she is in the conversation with JuJu and Caitlin for the next 20 years,” said the broadcasting icon. He went on to emphasize how people forget that Paige was considered one of the best high school players ever, but unfortunate injuries have kept her from truly breaking through. 

“She just can’t get a break; that’s why she keeps getting hurt,” he added. It’s tough watching such talent struggle with injuries. After missing most of the previous season due to an ACL tear, she came back strong, playing 26 games and averaging 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.

Well, that means if she could just stay healthy, the sky’s the limit. And the 1993 NBA MVP knows it better than anyone. But this isn’t his first time backing a young star. Before heaping praise on the UConn star on the Throwbacks podcast, the Hall of Famer has often shown love to CC. “The number of attention, eyeballs she’s brought to college and the pros…It’s mind-blowing,” he said.

Also, he didn’t hold back, expressing frustration over some of the jealousy directed at Clark from her peers. While he thinks both standout players can stand shoulder to shoulder, the debate between Bueckers and Clark has been a hot topic, especially at the start of the season. 

Is Paige Bueckers on the same path as Caitlin Clark?

It’s evident that both guards have made significant impacts in their NCAA careers. Paige Bueckers, the 2021 Naismith Player of the Year, averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in her standout freshman season, showcasing her shooting abilities with a 54% FG%. 

Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, dominated the scoring charts, averaging an incredible 31.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game during her junior season. Both players were top prospects in high school—Bueckers ranked first and Clark fourth in the nation. They both excelled in national tournaments as well.

Also, they both faced scrutiny during their college journeys. While Paige battled injuries, Caitlin faced the pressure of being the main offensive threat for Iowa. Talking about their game styles, Bueckers’s focus on rebounding and steals complements Clark’s scoring and assist stats.

Bueckers has been proving her versatility, often averaging 2.2 steals per game and making her mark defensively since she recovered. In a recent statement, Coach Geno Auriemma mentioned Paige’s statistical versatility, saying, “In this world of analytics, the numbers say that she is the best.” 

The Iowa alumna has already made her mark in this WNBA season, clinching the Rookie of the Year title. Now, we can’t wait for the next one. While Caitlin will continue to rock the court in the Indiana Fever jersey, fans are excited to see what the 2025 Draft holds for Paige.