The year is 2024, yet college basketball fans still find themselves revisiting 2021-the year when Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers burst onto the scene, igniting a rivalry that has since become legendary. While both players are now household names, their careers took strikingly different trajectories. Clark, now a WNBA star for the Indiana Fever, has set records and shattered expectations in her rookie season. Bueckers, on the other hand, is just now gearing up for her own WNBA debut, with fans eagerly awaiting her entry into the league.

But the question of who truly deserved the title of Freshman of the Year in 2021 remains as divisive as ever. Recently, a social media post comparing their college stats reignited the debate, and fans from both sides have flocked to the comments, dissecting every number and moment from that unforgettable season. The graphic, featuring a simple question-“What exactly happened here… Why wasn’t it CC?”-has once again sparked impassioned arguments among fans.

In their freshman year, Clark and Bueckers both posted incredible stats, yet their styles were distinct. Clark, a scoring machine at Iowa, averaged an eye-popping 26.6 points per game and shot 40.6% from three, adding 7.1 assists to her arsenal. Meanwhile, Bueckers delivered a more well-rounded game for UConn, averaging 20 points on a stellar 46.4% from deep, along with 5.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds. Their first on-court clash came in the Sweet Sixteen, with Bueckers’ UConn taking the win despite Clark outscoring her rival 21 to 18.

By the end of the season, Bueckers took home the prestigious Naismith Trophy, a decision that immediately sparked debate. Clark’s fans felt she was robbed, arguing her stats were more impressive overall. But UConn fans contended that Bueckers’ efficiency and team success gave her the edge. Now, as both players’ careers progress, this debate has only grown more complex.

Freshman of the Year revisited: Defensive stats, injuries, and the context behind Bueckers vs Clark debate

The “Freshman of the Year” title didn’t come easy for either player, and fans are once again questioning the criteria behind it. In the recent X exchange, some fans pointed out the hidden stats that favored Bueckers-her defensive prowess, for instance, with the highest defensive win shares among over 2,900 players. Clark’s defensive metrics paled in comparison, fueling arguments that Bueckers’ impact on both ends of the court justified her accolades.

Of course, context has also played a massive role in the debate. Injuries sidelined Bueckers for parts of her college career, while Clark continued to rack up records, eventually becoming Iowa’s all-time leading scorer. Critics argue that Bueckers’ career was marred by bad luck, while Clark’s momentum has only grown stronger, culminating in a record-breaking WNBA rookie season that has left fans in awe.

Some fans, however, feel that Clark’s dominance overshadows her team’s challenges. “The problem with CC fans,” one fan quipped, “is they think basketball is all offense.” Supporters of Bueckers argue that her well-rounded game makes her a future No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. As ESPN stats highlight, Bueckers’ ability to post 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in consecutive tournament games was unmatched, even by Clark.

Team dynamics and shooting efficiency: The context behind Bueckers and Clark’s rivalry

Then there’s the question of team support. Clark carried Iowa’s offense single-handedly, while Bueckers played for a UConn squad steeped in success. “Paige was on a winning team; Clark was a great player on a struggling one,” said one fan. Many agree that UConn’s powerhouse reputation gave Bueckers an advantage in awards considerations, even if it meant Clark’s scoring achievements were somewhat downplayed.

On the flip side, some argue that Clark’s numbers were inflated due to her role as Iowa’s main scoring option. “She was taking way more shots, so of course her average was higher,” explained another fan. Others chimed in with stat comparisons: Bueckers shot 52% from the field to Clark’s 47%, with a superior 46% from three compared to Clark’s 41%.

As Bueckers prepares to make her own mark in the WNBA, fans are eager to see if she can match Clark’s explosive rookie season. “If Paige comes close to what CC did, this will be an argument forever-and that’ll be fun to watch,” said one fan. While Clark has already set a high bar, the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down, and fans are ready for the next chapter in this thrilling saga.