Paige Bueckers on relationship with Caitlin Clark: 'We go way back'

Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are set to meet for the second time at the collegiate level — this time, on the biggest stage of all: the Final Four.

Ahead of UConn’s showdown against Iowa, Bueckers reminisced on her past relationship with Clark, who were both products of the 2020 recruiting class.

“I know Caitlin. Of course, we go way back,” Bueckers said ahead of their Final Four matchup. “Midwestern, we had a lot of battles in AAU and stuff like that, we played together on Team USA. She’s just a competitor. She wants to win. She has just intangibles of the game. She knows how to play, a great IQ.

“I think the biggest thing about her is she competes and she’s just a winner, she wants to win at all costs. So I know going into that, it will be a great match-up. But I’m excited. It’s great for the game, and to be at this level, on this high of stakes, to see where we were in AAU competing against each other, it’s just really cool to see.”

The duo’s most recent matchup came during the 2021 NCAA Tournament, where Bueckers got the better of a young Clark by defeating Iowa 92-72 in the Sweet 16. Clark scored 21 points, while Bueckers dueled her with 18 of her own. Bueckers was backed up by a 27-point performance from current Phoenix Mercury guard Christyn Williams. Current Husky Aaliyah Edwards scored 18 points during the matchup as well.

Bueckers and the Huskies would go on to lose to Arizona in the Final Four. Injuries have halted Bueckers from participating in the Final Four each year since — now, she can avenge that loss three years later by potentially ending Clark’s college career.

That is in theory, however, and Clark’s competitive nature wouldn’t allow her to go down without a fight. The Hawkeyes are looking to make it back to the championship game for the second season in a row. Having already declared for the 2024 WNA Draft, Clark’s college career is over after this tournament while Bueckers has the opportunity to remain at UConn next season.

If that’s not a motivating factor for Clark to be on her game on Friday — nothing is.

Tip-off between the Huskies and Hawkeyes is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET live on ESPN. The winner will play either NC State or South Carolina in the NCAA championship game.