Caitlin Clark on USC's JuJu Watkins vs. UConn's Paige Bueckers in Elite 8: 'I'd be glued to the TV like no other'
It’s an unprecedented era of women’s basketball. With stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese sweeping the scene, the sport has never received more attention. Women’s basketball stars will never shine brighter than on Monday evening.
On Monday, Clark and Iowa will have a highly-anticipated rematch against Reese and LSU. After the game, the action won’t stop. Next, UConn’s Paige Bueckers and USC’s JuJu Watkins will go head-to-head. Fans won’t be the only ones unable to take their eyes off the action.
“It’s just super awesome,” Clark said on Sunday. “If I was just a basketball fan, in general, I would be glued to the TV like no other. Paige and JuJu have both been able to have amazing seasons and I’ve been able to watch as much as I can. Obviously, I’m pretty busy but I love turning them on as much as I can, especially JuJu.
“What she’s been able to do for that program as a freshman, to come in and lead them to the Elite Eight with the chance to go to the Final Four, it’s really unreal. It’s unheard of. She’s so special.”
In her debut campaign at USC, Watkins is averaging 27.0 points per game, the second-most in the nation, only trailing Clark. The highlight machine has breathed fresh air into USC WBB.
Last season, the team was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Now, the Trojans are vying for a spot in the Final Four. Clark gave equal praise to Bueckers.
Caitlin Clark gives Paige Bueckers her flowers
“What Paige has been able to do has been amazing, as well,” Clark said. “Coming back from injury and really leading her team in the same same way — I’m big fans of them. I think women’s basketball fans know how special and cool this moment will be. I think the viewership numbers will show that.”
Buckers’ return this season has been straight out a storybook. After tearing her ACL, Bueckers missed all of the 2022-23 season. However, Bueckers furiously worked to return the court, and is now better than ever.
This season, the 6-foot guard is averaging a career-best 21.9 points per game while 53.6% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc. Caitlin Clark never wants the fun to end.
“I think the worst part of it is two teams are getting sent home,” Clark said. “All of them can’t keep playing but that’s what makes this competitive environment so fun. Everybody’s fighting to be able to play one more game, come back to practice with one another, and I think more than anything, it’s just great for our game and I’m lucky to be a part of it.”