For the past few years, college basketball has seen a golden generation of female players emerge. Naturally, Caitlin Clark is at the forefront of that group with her multiple record-setting years.
However, ESPN host Molly Qerim suggested that the absence of UConn star Paige Bueckers due to injury has helped Clark’s success in some way. An appalled Stephen A. Smith reacted sharply to this analogy.
While talking about the upcoming NCAA Final Four matchup between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, as Stephen A. Smith was concluding his argument, Molly Qerim chimed in with a rather interesting take.
If Paige Bueckers didn't basically miss two seasons, I don't know if we'd be talking about Caitlin Clark the way we are now. Molly Qerim said
The ESPN analyst knew that his co-host, Qerim, was speaking as a UConn alumnus herself. Therefore, he had to shut her down for her biased comment about her superstar.
I'm just saying don't bring up now their depleted roster. They got to the final four, don't bring it up. You would not be saying that if it wasn't UConn. Smith replied
As per Stephen A. Smith, Paige Buecker’s absence for two years has already robbed college basketball fans of watching her shine. However, that should not be used as an excuse to diminish what Caitlin Clark has brought to the game and establish herself rightfully as a superstar.
To give a perspective, Caitlin Clark was the 4th best recruit in her class. Bueckers was No. 1 followed by Angel Reese and Cameron Brink. She has bested the latter two with her development. Had Bueckers played the two years, its possible that the spotlight could have been shared.
Paige Buecker unreal work ethic
When Paige Bueckers entered the college basketball scene, she was heralded as a generationally great player. She happens to be the only female freshman to win the AP Player of the Year award.
Then the injury bug hit her hard, causing her to lose almost two full seasons. Fast forward to today, she is playing her way back to the standards expected of her.
In a video shared by a UConn fan page, it shows the incredible work ethic of the 22-year-old superstar. Playing against male trainers, she completes one drive.
The head trainer suggests that she should shoot free throws. But she reiterates that it was only one play and she wanted two more. She even counted the completed play as zero so that she could practice the drive more. And she practiced all this without taking a break.
It has been 720 days since she last featured in an NCAA Final Four. Therefore, Paige Bueckers is not taking any of it lightly, despite having a depleted squad around her.
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