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Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA draft, sparked a wide range of reactions after commenting on the issue of race and privilege in basketball. In an interview with Time magazine, Bueckers, who is white, discussed how race affects coverage and opportunities in the sport.“It’s still an issue, every single day. There’s not ever equal coverage,” Bueckers said.“There’s white privilege every single day that I see. I feel like I’ve worked extremely hard, blessed by God. But I do think there’s more opportunities for me. I feel like even just marketability, people tend to favor white people, white males, white women.”The 20-year-old acknowledged the advantages that come with being white in a racially complex society, saying, “I think it should be equal opportunity. I feel like there is privilege to what I have, and to what all white people have. I recognize that, I want to counteract that with the way I go about my business.”Bueckers’ comments quickly caught the attention of WNBA fans, many of whom expressed support for her thoughtful perspective on race and privilege. One fan tweeted, “Using your platform for the greater good is why I am so proud that Paige Bueckers is a Dallas Wing. You can be good at what you do, but if you aren’t a good person, none of it matters. #WNBA”Another comment read, “Part of the reason why she is loved by most. Love u Paige. Best PG in the W.” Fans praised her self-awareness and praised her for being open about the racial dynamics at play in basketball and beyond.However, Bueckers also faced significant backlash for her remarks. Some social media users criticized her comment, arguing that the issue of racial inequality was more prominent in the WNBA than in other sports. One commenter pointed out, “You can make an argument that women’s basketball is uncovered… but top black male athletes have zero issue. We still live in a world where Michael Jordan exists, right?”Other responses veered into “anti-woke” territory, with users labeling her remarks as virtue signaling. “Thank you for your virtue signal. We are all amused by your sanctimonious belief that being woke is morality,” one critic posted.Similarly, one commenter added, “White basketball players always overcompensating,” echoing a sentiment often voiced by critics of white athletes discussing race.Similarly, Bueckers’ comments were compared to those made by Caitlin Clark, who faced backlash last year for expressing similar sentiments on race. Both players have been the subject of conservative commentary and criticism for acknowledging the racial dynamics that impact women’s basketball.Despite the polarized reactions, Bueckers is focused on her upcoming WNBA debut with the Dallas Wings. The rookie point guard will take the court for the first time on May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx.Read more: WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers slams ʻWhite privilegeʼ in sports media coverage; says black athletes are undercovered
