The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is in full swing, with teams battling for a spot in the Sweet 16. This year’s tournament is the first since Caitlin Clark, one of the most electrifying players in college basketball history, left the Iowa Hawkeyes to pursue a professional career in the WNBA. During her college tenure, Clark captivated audiences with her record-breaking performances, finishing as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points, surpassing the legendary Pete Maravich. Despite her incredible achievements, Clark never secured a national championship, a fact that continues to fuel discussions about her legacy.
In honor of the ongoing tournament, Fox Sports released a ranking of the top ten greatest women’s college basketball players of all time. At the top of the list was Breanna Stewart, the former UConn Huskies star and current New York Liberty standout. Clark was ranked second, with other WNBA stars such as Brittney Griner (7th) and A’ja Wilson (9th) also making the list. While Stewart’s dominance in college is undisputed—having won four consecutive national titles and earning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors in each—some fans were unhappy with Clark’s placement below her.
The ranking immediately sparked debate on social media, with many questioning the criteria used by Fox Sports. Some argued that Clark’s impact on the game and her record-breaking stats made her the greatest of all time. “By what measure is Breanna Stewart better than Caitlin Clark?” one fan asked. Another accused Fox Sports of stirring controversy on purpose, saying, “I think y’all are just trying to get Clark hate. It’s corny.” Supporters of Clark insisted she deserved the top spot, with one user boldly claiming, “Caitlin is easily #1. Any other arguments are pure cope.”
On the other hand, critics pointed out Clark’s lack of a championship title, suggesting that her ranking at number two was too generous. “Being ranked second without a single championship ring is crazy,” one fan commented. Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that other players with championship success should be ranked higher. “Never won a title and still at #2? I don’t think so,” wrote another. Some even felt the timing of the post during the NCAA tournament made the debate more contentious.
While the rankings have stirred passionate reactions from both sides, there is no denying that both Stewart and Clark have left an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Stewart carried her college success into the WNBA, helping the Seattle Storm win two championships before adding another title with the Liberty last season. Meanwhile, Clark is just beginning her professional journey, and fans are eager to see if she can translate her record-breaking college career into WNBA dominance.
Regardless of where she ranks on all-time lists, Caitlin Clark’s influence on the sport is undeniable. Her style of play, unmatched shooting ability, and ability to draw massive audiences have elevated women’s basketball to new heights. As her WNBA career unfolds, the debate over her place in history will likely continue, with fans eagerly watching to see if she can silence her critics and add championships to her already impressive resume.
