In recent years, women’s basketball has enjoyed a surge in popularity, with athletes like Caitlyn Clark dominating the conversation and bringing unprecedented attention to the sport. However, amidst the growing hype surrounding another star, JuJu Watkins, the media has been relentlessly pushing comparisons between her and Clark. While both are highly talented players, the idea that JuJu Watkins is somehow on the same level as Caitlyn Clark is misleading and undermines the true achievements of Clark.

Caitlyn Clark’s rise to stardom in college basketball was nothing short of extraordinary. She became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing over 3,900 career points with an average of nearly 32 points per game during her final season. Her three-point shooting is considered NBA-level, frequently pulling up from distances that are virtually unheard of in women’s college basketball. More than just a scorer, Clark is also an exceptional playmaker, consistently averaging over eight assists per game, and her ability to break down defenses and facilitate for teammates has made her the heart of Iowa’s offense.

Clark’s influence on the game extends far beyond her own statistics. Her performances have broken viewership records, attracting millions of viewers and leading to sellout crowds in arenas. Her historic national championship game pulled in over 18.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched women’s basketball game in history. She has also contributed significantly to the growth of the WNBA, boosting ticket sales and drawing attention from major networks, which previously paid little attention to women’s sports.

In contrast, JuJu Watkins, despite her undeniable talent, has not yet proven herself to the same extent. While she is considered one of the top players in the country, her career is still in its infancy, and the media-driven comparisons to Clark are premature. Watkins has been touted as the next big thing, but the evidence does not yet support that claim. Her games do not see the same level of viewership or attendance as Clark’s. When Clark plays, arenas are packed, with fans clamoring for tickets, sometimes at inflated prices due to scalping. Meanwhile, Watkins’ games often lack the same energy, with fewer fans in the stands.

Furthermore, Watkins’ statistics, while impressive, do not compare favorably to Clark’s. She averaged 27 points per game, but her shooting efficiency is a concern. While Clark regularly shot around 40% from three-point range, Watkins has struggled to crack 30%, which is a red flag for a player being touted as a generational talent. Clark has consistently excelled against top-tier defenses, dominating in high-pressure moments. Watkins, on the other hand, has not yet faced the same level of competition or risen to similar heights.

The media, in its desperate attempt to create a rivalry, has failed to establish Watkins as a true challenger to Clark. Rather than letting the natural progression of these players unfold, the media has attempted to push a false narrative of competition. It’s clear that the popularity of Caitlyn Clark is not just a product of media hype, but of genuine admiration for her skill, leadership, and the impact she has had on women’s basketball. On the other hand, the hype surrounding JuJu Watkins is fueled more by a desire to find someone to dethrone Clark, regardless of whether she is truly on that level.

The numbers tell the story: when Clark plays, fans show up in droves, and the ratings soar. In contrast, Watkins’ games have not achieved that same level of national attention. While she may be a talented player, the media’s attempts to force comparisons between her and Clark only highlight the glaring differences in their impact on the game.

The comparison between Caitlyn Clark and JuJu Watkins also highlights a deeper issue in sports: racial bias. It’s no secret that Clark, a white player, has benefited from a more favorable media portrayal than many of her Black counterparts in women’s sports. While her talent is undeniable, some critics have pointed out that her achievements are amplified by a cultural bias that elevates white athletes while underestimating the accomplishments of Black women. This is not to discredit Clark’s success, but rather to acknowledge the systemic inequalities that still persist in the sports world.

Conversely, athletes like JuJu Watkins, who is Black, may face more scrutiny and less media support despite their talent. The media’s attempts to elevate Watkins to Clark’s level might be seen as an effort to balance the scales, but it does a disservice to both players. Watkins is a promising athlete, but she needs to prove herself on the court and let her accomplishments speak for themselves.

The media’s fixation on creating a rivalry between Caitlyn Clark and JuJu Watkins only serves to undermine the true greatness of both players. While Watkins is undoubtedly talented, her career is still in its early stages, and comparisons to a player like Clark, who has already etched her name in the record books, are premature. Caitlyn Clark has earned her place as one of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball, and her impact on the game cannot be overstated. The numbers, the fans, and the undeniable records speak for themselves. Until Watkins can prove herself in the same way, the media’s narrative will remain just that – a narrative, not a reality.

Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that both athletes bring unique talents to the game, but the forced comparisons to Clark, without acknowledging the full scope of her accomplishments, only detracts from the achievements of both players. Caitlyn Clark is in a league of her own, and the numbers show it.