UConn's Paige Bueckers needs a 'black villain' to be as popular as Caitlin Clark, ex-NBA star controversially claims

Paige Bueckers’ Lack of National Spotlight Attributed to Absence of ‘Black Rival,’ Claims Former NBA Player

Connecticut Huskies basketball standout Paige Bueckers has not garnered widespread national acclaim due to the absence of a prominent African-American adversary, unlike Caitlin Clark’s rivalry with Angel Reese, posits Etan Thomas, a former NBA veteran.

Etan Thomas’s Controversial Assertion

In a Guardian opinion piece, Thomas, a 46-year-old ex-NBA first-round draft pick, sparked online debate by suggesting that the collegiate contention between Clark, the celebrated white Iowa player, and Reese, a Black former LSU luminary, was pivotal to the heightened interest in the 2023 and 2024 NCAA women’s basketball tournaments.

‘The soaring television ratings for women’s college basketball in the past two NCAA Tournaments were partly fueled by the exceptional talent on display. However, less admirable elements also contributed,’ Thomas articulated. ‘Much of the media portrayed Reese as the antagonist to Clark’s protagonist after the “Black Princess” overshadowed the “Great White Hope” in the 2023 NCAA Tournament championship.’

The 2023 NCAA Championship Game and Racial Undertones

The aforementioned championship game, a highly watched event in women’s basketball history, is largely remembered for Reese’s playful gestures directed towards Clark. Specifically, Reese replicated wrestler John Cena’s ‘You Can’t See Me’ hand wave, a gesture Clark had previously used in the tournament.

‘The now-iconic image of Reese brandishing her hand – mirroring Clark’s earlier taunt – transformed Clark and Reese from simply outstanding athletes into symbols of racial discord,’ Thomas stated.

‘Individuals previously uninterested in women’s basketball suddenly became fervent devotees – in the most extreme sense – driven by divisive motives. They championed Clark’s race while denigrating Reese’s, rather than appreciating their athletic prowess.’

Bueckers’ Perceived Lack of a ‘Black Villain’

Clark and Reese continued their rivalry in the WNBA, representing the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, respectively, during their remarkably popular rookie seasons.

‘Contrastingly, Bueckers has lacked a Black adversary to compete against,’ Thomas contended. ‘The resulting diminished attention and nationwide adoration suggests significant insights into America’s current social climate.’

Notably, UConn did suffer a defeat to seventh-ranked USC, led by African-American standout JuJu Watkins, in a closely contested 72-70 game on December 21. While a rematch was anticipated in the Elite Eight, Watkins’ season-ending knee injury prevented the anticipated matchup.

Bueckers’ Advocacy and Personal Connections

Thomas further suggests that a segment of white America’s purported indifference towards Bueckers stems from her principles, background, and personal life, characterized by strong affiliations with Black friends and family.

‘Perhaps Bueckers’ consistent outspokenness on social matters distinguishes her from Clark,’ Thomas wrote. ‘During her 2021 ESPYs college athlete of the year acceptance speech, Bueckers specifically honored Black women.’

‘Furthermore, Bueckers observes Ramadan by preparing pre-dawn meals for her Muslim teammate, Jana El-Alfy, sings gospel music (specifically Black gospel) before competitions, maintains deep bonds with her Black teammates resembling sisterhood, was raised by her Black stepmother, has Black step-siblings, has had Black romantic partners, and has repeatedly declared allyship with her Black teammates, extending beyond her ESPYs speech.’

Clark’s Popularity and ‘Dubious Hero’ Status

Thomas also criticized WNBA enthusiasts who embraced Clark as a white star in a predominantly Black league.

‘Despite Clark’s repeated pleas against weaponizing her racial identity upon joining the WNBA last year, she became an ambiguous icon for prejudiced individuals who often directed racist insults at her Black counterparts,’ Thomas continued. ‘Clark’s immense popularity stemmed from her undeniable talent – evidenced by her WNBA All-Star and rookie of the year accolades in 2024 – but also from her perceived rivalry with Reese, a rivalry both players have minimized, albeit while financially benefiting from it.’

‘It is crucial to acknowledge that not all Clark’s supporters fit this description, nor is Clark culpable for the actions of others; her focus remains solely on basketball.’

Dissenting Opinions on Bueckers’ Popularity

Thomas’s analysis of Clark’s superior college popularity compared to Bueckers, a projected first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, faced considerable pushback.

‘Consider this alternative,’ one detractor posted on X. ‘Bueckers simply isn’t as exceptional a player as Caitlin Clark. That’s the fundamental reason.’

‘Paige is outstanding,’ another X user wrote. ‘Caitlin is extraordinary. The distinction is that straightforward.’

Another perspective attributed Bueckers’ reduced prominence to a torn ACL in 2022-23, sidelining her for a season.

‘This article promotes blatant racial division,’ the critic asserted. ‘Paige Bueckers didn’t “miss out” on Caitlin Clark-level attention due to her racial equity advocacy. Her absence from the spotlight was due to a significant injury. Torn ACL, entire 2022-23 season missed. The preceding year? 19 games missed due to another knee injury.’

Caitlin Clark’s Acknowledgment of White Privilege

For context, Clark previously provoked some conservative commentators by acknowledging white privilege upon receiving the TIME Athlete of the Year award.

‘While I believe I’ve earned my achievements, as a white individual, privilege undeniably exists,’ Clark stated.

Her remarks elicited criticism, notably from commentator Megyn Kelly, who criticized Clark’s ‘self-deprecation’.

‘She is practically apologizing for being white and receiving recognition,’ Kelly posted on social media.