The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers exemplifies how two outstanding athletes can define a generation of women’s basketball. Their competitive paths began simultaneously upon entering college, and their journey has been marked by impressive achievements and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Both made remarkable debuts, averaging 19.2 points as freshmen, and each secured the prestigious WNBA Rookie of the Year accolade. These accomplishments have fueled a debate within the WNBA community, dividing opinions over who truly stands out. Recently, a notable figure has expressed her preference, adding another layer to this ongoing discussion.
Imagine Candace Parker, during a lively chat on the ‘Post Moves’ podcast, asking Boston to pick her favorite between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Without hesitation, Aliyah Boston, a former No. 1 draft pick, clearly sided with Clark, making her choice known. Her confidence wasn’t surprising for fans who know how close Clark and Boston are — both on and off the court. Their friendship is well regarded among basketball fans, with Clark once describing Boston as a significant source of support during her rookie year. Their bond extends beyond camaraderie; it translates directly into their gameplay, as evidenced by their impressive stats together. Over 53 games, Boston has averaged 14.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, with Caitlin Clark facilitating 170 of those assists. Both young stars have publicly expressed how much they enjoy playing alongside each other, especially in creating opportunities on the court.
Yet, some critics argue that Boston’s endorsement might be biased, given their friendship. So, what happens when these two fiercely talented players face off on the court? Their head-to-head matchups have been intense and memorable. The first clash occurred in the 2021 NCAA Sweet 16, where Clark’s 21 points couldn’t prevent Iowa from losing 92-72 to Bueckers’ UConn, with Bueckers contributing 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Their second game saw Clark’s team clinch a narrow 71-69 victory despite Bueckers’ impressive 17-point effort — a clear display of their fierce competition. The latest contest, played in July 2025, was a thrilling showdown where Clark’s Indiana Fever defeated Bueckers’ Dallas Wings 102-83. Clark scored 14 points with 13 assists, while Bueckers poured in 21 points, reminding everyone of her elite talent.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing — what if these basketball geniuses joined forces? Their partnership isn’t purely hypothetical; they’ve previously teamed up in USA Basketball’s junior squads, showcasing their potential as a duo. Now, they are both invited to participate in the upcoming USA Basketball national training camp, scheduled for December 12-14. This event will feature some of the top WNBA stars, including Jackie Young, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Kahleah Copper. Participation in this camp is a crucial stepping stone toward earning a spot on the senior national team, where Clark and Bueckers will aim to help defend their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup title next year.
And this is the part most people miss — the real drama isn’t just about individual accolades or rivalry; it’s about the potential future collaborations that could redefine women’s basketball. So, here’s a question for basketball fans and skeptics alike: Would you root for these two to be on the same team someday, or do you think their rivalry should stay separate? Do you agree with Boston’s favoritism, or do you believe talent surpasses friendships? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.