Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers stats: Comparing No. 1 picks entering the WNBA

The 2025 WNBA season officially tips off Friday, and while I’m normally not one for comparisons, it’s really hard to deny the similarities between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.

While one is in their sophomore season and another is just getting started with her freshman campaign, the hype is very much real for both. Clark, of course, was in the exact same position as Bueckers last year as an "incoming freshman," and lived up to the expectations put on her by nabbing 66 out of 67 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters to become the 2024 Rookie of the Year. As for Bueckers, we’ll have to wait and see how the 2025 season plays out, but one thing is for sure—the matchups between these two young ladies will be must-watch television. Before we get there, however, let’s first talk some numbers.

We’ll begin with Clark, who was named The Sporting News Female Athlete of the Year in December 2024. During her rookie season, Clark led the league in assists (8.4 apg) and 3-pointers (3.1 pg). She was also ranked seventh in scoring (19.2 ppg), and top 20 in rebounding (5.7 rpg). As mentioned in her SN Athlete of the Year segment, "The Caitlin Clark Effect" became the catchphrase when discussing how her influence changed the game for women's basketball at all levels, with ratings hitting never-before-seen-numbers. 

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At the time of the segment, State Farm Chief Agency Sales and Marketing office Kristyn Cook told Sporting News, "Our marketing data demonstrates the powerful reality of women's sports – they are a powerful, digitally-savvy fan base and with a loyal and balanced viewing audience. We've been investing in women's sports for two decades because it's smart business to do so. Caitlin is special as a player and as a person."

Now, let’s move onto Bueckers, who begins her WNBA career with the Dallas Wings after putting up some pretty historic moments during her collegiate stint at UConn, which saw her named one of just seven Naismith Award winners in the program’s history. Bueckers finished her time at the university top 10 in numerous statistical categories, including: points, points per game, assists, field goals and steals. A prolific playmaker, experts raved about Bueckers’ athletic prowess prior to her being drafted. 

Bleacher Report's Rachel Galligan wrote in April: "She is the type of player who makes everyone around her better, as well as being the type of guard who can create her own instant offense. Her poise, understanding of pace and decision-making will all translate to the pro level as a franchise lead guard for many years."

This expanded upon what Galligan noted in February, where she called Bueckers' ability to facilitate with pinpoint precision "unmatched." Galligan continued: "Her basketball IQ is through the roof, as she understands pace and shot selection at the highest level. Her ability to dictate the tempo of a game in the full court, while operating with efficiency in the half court is rare."

Time will tell how Bueckers' rookie season ends up turning out, but one thing is for sure, both she and Clark are expected to have a big year ahead.

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