Michael McManus, a friend of A’ja Wilson, spoke out Thursday about racial perceptions surrounding Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark fans’ racial perceptions in sports. He argued that although Bueckers is seen very differently than Clark, her whiteness is sometimes used to undermine the accomplishments of talented Black players like Kiki Iriafen in the WNBA.
Allegations of Racial Bias in Fans’ Treatment of WNBA Players
McManus highlighted that while Paige Bueckers is perceived positively by fans, many still use her race as a means to dismiss Black women players, especially Kiki Iriafen. He emphasized that Bueckers is the opposite of how Caitlin Clark is viewed in the sports world, yet Bueckers’ whiteness is exploited similarly.
“The funniest thing about race in the WNBA, Paige is the antithesis of how fans view CC in sports,” McManus said. “Yet, as a white woman, black men and other fans are still using her whiteness to refute and dismiss other talented black women in the league, specifically Kiki.”
McManus further stated that despite Bueckers presenting herself as an ally to her peers, she is still employed as a comparison point to diminish Black athletes. He referenced a tweet which he believes supports his view:
“Y’all was puttin Sonia Citron n Kiki Iriafen in Paige Bueckers talks. Very shameful.”
It is important to note that Sonia Citron, included in the tweet, is also a white player, and the claim is complicated by the fact that these rookies’ performances are relatively close statistically. Bueckers averages 17.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while Iriafen contributes 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds, and Citron records 13.7 points and 4.3 rebounds for the Washington Mystics.
Interestingly, the Mystics, with Iriafen and Citron, hold a much better record (4-6) than Bueckers’ Wings, who sit at 1-10 early in the season.
Breaking Down Paige Bueckers’ Career-High Performance Against the Phoenix Mercury
On Wednesday, Paige Bueckers showed what she can do at her best, scoring a career-high 35 points alongside six rebounds and four assists against the Phoenix Mercury. She shot efficiently, connecting on 13 of 19 attempts and making five of seven from three-point range.
Among her rookie peers from the 2025 draft class, Bueckers leads in both points and assists per game. Despite her individual efforts, the Chicago Wings have struggled as a team, ranking 13th in the league after only one win in their first eleven games.
The Wings are set to face the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday. Given Bueckers’ recent form, many expect her to deliver another standout game.
Implications for the WNBA and Its Racial Dynamics
McManus’ comments bring to light ongoing tensions around race and recognition in women’s professional basketball. The comparison between Bueckers and black counterparts like Kiki Iriafen reflects broader debates about how race influences fan perceptions and coverage in sports. As the league continues to grow, how race is discussed and addressed may affect both players’ careers and fan engagement.
Upcoming games, including the Wings’ matchup against the Aces, will likely showcase these emerging stars further, making the conversation around equality and acknowledgment even more relevant in the WNBA landscape.