The ongoing rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has intensified since their college basketball days, with Reese playing for LSU and Clark representing Iowa. Angel McCoughtry, a five-time WNBA All-Star, recently stated that Reese’s rise to fame has been largely driven by clout, especially in relation to Clark, during an interview on the Let Her Shoot podcast.
McCoughtry emphasized that Reese’s skill level has remained unchanged since her time at Maryland but suggested that her career gained significant momentum following her publicized confrontation with Clark. This includes the widely discussed moment when Reese flashed the “You can’t see me” gesture at Clark during the 2023 NCAA Finals.
The gesture, which occurred in the fourth quarter of the title game, signaled premature celebration by Reese as LSU was on the path to a decisive 102-85 victory over Clark’s Iowa team. This incident brought Reese a surge of national attention and, according to McCoughtry, elevated her standing in the sport beyond her playing ability.
“I called her (in Maryland), nobody was checking in on Angel Reese, she was injured, nobody gave her a podcast, nobody gave her endorsements, she went to LSU, did this (waving at Caitlin’s face),” she said. —Angel McCoughtry, WNBA All-Star
“She was the same player in Maryland as she is now no difference clout that is what America wants,” she explained. —Angel McCoughtry, WNBA All-Star
After beginning the 2022 season at Maryland, Reese transferred to LSU to play under coach Kim Mulkey. In her debut season with the Tigers, she contributed to securing LSU’s first-ever NCAA championship, defeating Clark’s Iowa team in a high-scoring final.
Angel Reese Reflects on Chicago Sky’s Challenging Season and Encourages Patience
Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have experienced a difficult start to their WNBA season, with the team managing just three victories in 11 games and currently sitting 11th in the league standings. The team’s inconsistency has been a point of concern for fans and analysts alike.
Following a recent win against the Connecticut Sun, Reese addressed these struggles and appealed to supporters for continued patience and trust in the team’s development process.
“I love being here, obviously it’s been a bumpy road and it hasn’t been easy for us, but I hope everybody continues to trust the process,” she said. “I want the fans to just be patient with us and it’s going to take time We’re trying to get better every day and give us some grace.” —Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward
Despite the team’s challenges, Reese has maintained strong individual performances, averaging a double-double this season with 11.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the team’s success.
The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark continues to captivate basketball fans as both players strive to lead their teams to victory and build their legacies. Meanwhile, Reese’s efforts with the Chicago Sky underline her resilience and dedication amid a tough season, signaling a hopeful path forward for both player and team.