Angel Reese, a rising star in the WNBA, has been under intense public scrutiny, drawing both praise and criticism as fans analyze her every move. Recently, Candace Parker sparked debate through her critiques of Reese’s performance, leading some to accuse Parker of being a hater. On the Good Follow podcast with Ros Golden, Parker firmly rejected these accusations, emphasizing her respect and support for Reese.
“Can she [Reese] get to player A or player S or whatever? Yes, she can. Right now, I don’t know if she is alongside those players at that level. You’re measuring her against players who have been in the league for years. There is no hate on Angel Reese, I love her,”
Parker stated.
Ongoing Rivalry Between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark
The competition between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark began in college and has extended into their professional careers in the WNBA. Both players had impressive rookie seasons, but tensions escalated this year after Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese, intensifying the rivalry between their teams. Despite the growing attention they bring to women’s basketball, Parker cautions against excessive comparisons between the two athletes.
On the Spolitics podcast, Parker described juxtaposing Clark and Reese as comparing apples to oranges, noting that their playing styles and roles are fundamentally different. She referenced historic comparisons like Magic Johnson versus Larry Bird as not fitting their situation.
Different Challenges and Paths for Reese and Clark
This season has been challenging for both Reese and Clark. Clark has battled several injuries while Reese’s team is facing a difficult 7-15 record. Parker views both athletes as possessing significant potential but recognizes that their development will take different routes given their circumstances.
The conversations around Angel Reese Candace Parker controversy continue to highlight the evolving landscape of the WNBA and the intense scrutiny players face as they navigate their careers and rivalries in the league.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. In a video shared on TikTok late Sunday, Reese explained she injured her hand when she fell after scoring an and-1. She mentioned, “I have a small crack in my bone.” According to doctors, she has the option to either skip surgery or go through with it.
Q. Did Angel Reese get a degree?
A. Reese studied both interdisciplinary subjects at Louisiana State University and communications at the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned her degree from LSU, focusing on Communication Studies, Leadership Development, and Psychology within Interdisciplinary Studies.
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s wrist injury?
A. Reese explained in a TikTok video that she hurt her hand when she fell after scoring. She mentioned it caused a small bone crack.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Basketball is a family tradition for Angel, whose parents both played the sport in college. Angel’s mom even went on to play professionally in Luxembourg. In January 2023, Angel told Just Women’s Sports that her mother taught her to be independent.