Ever since the point guard spot on USA Basketball’s women’s national team opened up after Sue Bird’s retirement, everyone has been wondering who will step up to lead. There were speculations about generational stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins. But it seems UConn legend Geno Auriemma has a clear pick among the favorites, and he’s putting his faith in Paige Bueckers.

Auriemma, who coached Bueckers during her college years at UConn, believes the vacancy has created the perfect opening for a young player to grow into a leadership role. He explained that since Bird stepped away, no player has truly claimed the position. “Here’s the successor, here’s the next person that can take over this team and be able to lead a lot of veteran players.”

 Geno Auriemma further added, “So I think someone’s going to emerge, whether that’s Paige or someone else, whether it’s now for the World Championships or for the Olympics,” he said. “Maybe she’s too young, I don’t know. Or maybe she’s ready. I do know she has all of the things that she needs.” It is easy to understand why this December camp is so suddenly so important by his words.

Sure, Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year winner, will participate in the USA basketball senior-level training camp at Duke University on December 12-14, and she will play alongside Caitlin Clark and other young talents. Auriemma noted that the experience of being in the national team requires maturity and high awareness. And that is exactly why he believes that Paige fits perfectly into this environment.

“Being self-aware, knowing who you are, what you are, and knowing you might have a different role than you have on your regular team,” Geno Auriemma added. “I think all of those things are things that she’s (Paige) very familiar with. So, not a lot that I can give.” So, there should be nothing surprising about the fact that Auriemma publicly supported Bueckers as a key lead guard.

But let’s face reality, his words hit harder because Clark also plays the same position, and is entering the very same camp. The two are often compared often discussed as the future faces of USA Basketball and the WNBA. And with it, Geno Auriemma’s support adds another spark to the ongoing Paige versus Caitlin debate as December approaches.

Not only Geno Auriemma, but everyone is obsessed with the Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers rivalry

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are the two young stars everyone loves watching right now. Even though Clark played only 13 games because of her injuries, she still averaged around 16 points, almost 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Bueckers came in this year and lit up the league right away. She averaged 19 points with strong playmaking and reliable shooting for Dallas. Her forty-four-point performance in Los Angeles showed she can take over a game whenever she wants.

That is why so many people keep talking about a Clark versus Bueckers rivalry. These two have been competing against each other since high school, and every time they face off, the attention around them grows. Even Dan Patrick said it. “This was supposed to be Caitlin Clark versus Paige Bueckers. Now, keep in mind, Paige Bueckers was Caitlin Clark before Caitlin Clark.” His message was simple. Both players are special, and both can lift the whole league.

Their one matchup this season previewed what this rivalry could become. Clark led her team to a win with 14 points, 13 assists, and strong defense. Bueckers had 21 points and played well, too, but the turnovers hurt her team that day.  That is why everyone wants to see them again. Clark brings energy. Bueckers brings control.

Together, they create a story that feels fresh for the WNBA. Whether on the same side for Team USA or on opposite sides in the league, these two make basketball feel big and full of possibilities.