Former NBA player Etan Thomas is facing backlash for his recent opinion piece in The Guardian, where he questioned why UConn star Paige Bueckers hasn’t received the same national attention as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. The article, titled “Why hasn’t middle America given Paige Bueckers the Caitlin Clark treatment?” sparked widespread debate on social media and beyond.
Thomas argued that Bueckers’ vocal stance on racial equality has influenced the level of attention she receives compared to Clark. He also pointed out the absence of a so-called “Black villain” in Bueckers’ career, suggesting that Clark’s rivalry with LSU’s Angel Reese played a role in elevating her profile.
My article in The Guardian
— Etan Thomas (@etanthomas36) March 28, 2025
“One reason is there has been no one portrayed as the “Black Villain” for Bueckers to compete against. The fact that has meant she’s gained less attention & adoration from middle America says a lot about the state of the country”https://t.co/MvYlRavFAX pic.twitter.com/PLrWRkIr7t
These claims have drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting his perspective and others criticizing the premise of his argument.
Heated Reaction To Controversial Take
Critics of Thomas’ piece argue that Bueckers’ popularity is already substantial and that Clark’s exposure is largely due to her record-breaking performances and unique style of play. Some have taken issue with Thomas’ framing, suggesting that it unnecessarily injects race into the conversation about media coverage of women’s basketball.
One commenter on X suggested Thomas’ article was nothing more than “race-baiting.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral WNBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Ethan with all due respect this article sucks and I feel sorry for how you view the world,” another stated.
Ethan with all due respect this article sucks and I feel sorry for how you view the world.
— Maybe: Luke (@lukebellus4) March 29, 2025
Another suggested that perhaps “Paige simply isn’t nearly as good as Caitlin Clark.”
Or hear me out. Paige simply isn’t nearly as good as Caitlin Clark is. And THAT is what it comes down to.
— TMB🤌🏻 (@tmb237) March 29, 2025
Supporters of Thomas’ viewpoint, however, say his argument sheds light on more significant systemic issues in sports media. They believe his analysis of Clark’s rapid rise compared to Bueckers- despite both being elite players, raises valid questions about racial narratives in sports coverage.
Bueckers, who is playing her final season at UConn before heading to the WNBA, has been vocal about social issues in the past. During the 2021 ESPY Awards, she used her platform to honor Black women, saying, “To all the incredible Black women in my life and on my teams… I stand behind you and continue to follow your lead.”
While Thomas’ take has fueled debate, it’s clear that both Bueckers and Clark are among the biggest stars in women’s basketball. As they compete for a national championship, the conversation surrounding their legacies and the media narratives around them will only continue to evolve.
