Following Angel Reese‘s draft selection by the Chicago Sky, she gained a vocal backer in Mariah Rose, daughter of former NBA player Jalen Rose. Known for sharing her views on sports, Mariah Rose recently engaged in a debate addressing critics of Angel Reese’s playing style and effectiveness. The discussion took place during a video released by House of Highlights, which featured Rose debating ten individuals who expressed negative opinions about Reese.
In the video, Mariah Rose defended Reese’s ability to win by highlighting her championship successes. During a back-and-forth with a detractor who questioned whether Reese’s attitude translated to victories, Rose pointedly compared Reese’s accomplishments to those of Caitlin Clark, noting that Clark has yet to win a championship at any level.
“You’re saying that Angel Reese’s attitude, quote-unquote, doesn’t translate to winning? But she won a championship in college. And she won three state championships in high school, and she won an AAU championship.
“Caitlin hasn’t won a championship.
—Mariah Rose, Sports Commentator and Jalen Rose’s Daughter
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s Past Collaboration in WNBA All-Star Weekend
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark previously joined forces during the WNBA All-Star weekend in Reese’s rookie year, showcasing their talents alongside other stars and the 2024 U.S. Women’s Olympic team. This event brought to mind historic all-star team-ups involving legendary NBA players such as Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic or Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
This year, with no Olympic games scheduled, the WNBA is shifting its All-Star weekend format. The two players receiving the highest number of fan votes will become team captains, with the captains selecting players for their teams from a pool chosen by coaches. Caitlin Clark currently leads the fan voting, followed by Napheesa Collier, while Angel Reese sits at 13th place.
If Clark ends up as a captain and remains healthy, she could have the opportunity to draft Reese to her team, potentially reuniting the two rivals. However, Clark’s current injury leaves her All-Star participation uncertain, adding an element of unpredictability to the weekend’s lineup in Indianapolis.
Implications for Angel Reese and the WNBA All-Star Weekend
Mariah Rose’s defense of Angel Reese underscores the forward’s proven track record of winning at various levels of competition, pushing back on critics who doubt her impact. The prospect of Reese and Clark joining forces again, or competing directly during this season’s All-Star event, captures fans’ attention and highlights the evolving dynamics within the WNBA.
The upcoming All-Star weekend will not only celebrate individual talent but could also serve to quiet detractors by showcasing Reese’s continued growth and ability to perform on a high stage. As the fan vote results and health updates unfold, basketball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how these key players influence the league’s future narrative.