Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were only freshmen when the nation had its eyes on their battle. “It’s been a while since you’ve had two kids that have had this kind of an impact, both on their teams and on the game itself nationally,” Geno Auriemma had noted as the two top recruits led their teams to the Sweet 16 in their very first year. There was no denying the head coach’s words. The impact was visible. But after stepping out of the starting line, did Clark take off somewhere mid-way, or was the race all hers when she chose Iowa?

It was a glorious first year for Paige, who was touted a No.1 recruit of her class by ESPN. She took home the accolades, won the first round against Caitlin, and had Auriemma say, “Name one player that has taken a team this young to where we are today. Who’s done more than her?” But as Caitlin matched strides and injuries struck Bueckers, it was clear who had taken over. All-time leading scorer, viewership records, and historic deals all pointed toward one.

However, now that they are on somewhat of a level ground again, all healthy, and both as No.1 picks, comparisons soar. This time, the expectations are on the UConn standout to deliver and surpass. But if you ask analyst Rachael DeMita, that shouldn’t even be the conversation. Why? Because the two have had different journeys, and one had more to prove than the other. No, it hasn’t got anything to do with the injuries.

On her podcast, DeMita read out an excerpt from an ESPN article that questioned if Bueckers could have as immediate an impact as Caitlin Clark. The analyst doesn’t think it is right of us to expect that. “I don’t think we can have Piage on that kind of pedestal. I don’t think we should put that kind of pressure on Paige,” she says.

In setting the many records across scoring and assists, the former Hawkeye managed to make it in the Top 5 in the MVP voting and grabbed a spot on the All-WNBA first team. She’d also earn the All-Star honor and lead Indiana Fever to the playoff spot for the first time since 2016. That right there reminds one of her role in helping Iowa to 2 consecutive championship games– a factor that sets her apart from Paige herself.

“The difference between Paige and Caitlin even coming out of college… what Caitlin did with that Iowa team is that she truly led that Iowa team. She did not have 5-star recruits around her… it was very different from this UConn-Paige Bueckers team,” DeMita adds.

Clark, a five-star recruit herself, was the only one on Iowa’s roster during her run. According to ESPN HoopGurlz, none of her teammates entered college with that five-star badge. In fact, only a handful even cracked the top 100 nationally. The highest-ranked among them? Hannah Stuelke at No. 45, part of the 2022 class. Yet Clark made everyone around her better. She led Division I in assists for three straight years, finishing her senior season with a career-best 8.7 assists per game. Her vision, passing, and leadership didn’t just raise her game—it lifted the entire Iowa program.

Though she did have Kate Martin on her team, DeMita makes it a point to note that no one was even sure she was going to make it to the league. That’s quite a contrasting case than what Paige is used to.

Bueckers had a much deeper supporting cast. She shared the spotlight with Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong—two players who often took over stretches of games themselves. Strong, a freshman, had 22 points and 8 rebounds on a blistering 9-for-13 shooting night in the Final Four. Fudd dropped 19 points in the first half alone. Moreover, the star guard’s average dropped from 21.9 PPG as a junior to 19.9 in her final season amidst the strong lineup. A lineup that would eventually see 2 more make it in the 2025 WNBA draft– Kaitlyn Chen went 30th overall to the Valkyries and Aubrey Griffin, 37th overall to the Lynx. 

It’s not a knock on Bueckers. She’s a phenomenal player and absolutely has the tools to be a game-changer in the WNBA. Several analysts even said during the draft broadcast that she could have a similar rookie impact to Clark. But DeMita’s stance reminds us: the circumstances were very different. 

Paige Bueckers is joining the league after a championship run with a stacked team and multiple WNBA-caliber teammates. That’s not a bad thing—but it’s not the same. And that’s the point. Even with the Fever building around Clark now, the journey that brought her here? That’s not the same.

A special team takes shape around Caitlin Clark this time

The 2025 WNBA Draft brought in more talent for Indiana. The Fever selected Florida State forward Makayla Timpson, South Carolina guard Bree Hall, and Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim. They will be joining a core that is experienced, versatile, and banks on offense. That was the plan for the frranchise as per GM Amber Cox.

“We wanted to (boost) our defense and add versatility,” she said. “These players bring unique skills to complement our offense.” Rightfully. The Fever’s defensive lapses landed them ninth in the league last season. So, if they want to be a complete team, this has been a step in the right direction.

Clark may not have found her teams in perfect shape, yet she managed to power through. This one, however, has been shaped different; one that Cox is confident in. “We’re building something special,” Cox said. “These rookies will help us take the next step.” You can guess what that means with a powerhouse like Caitlin.