During the 2023 WNBA offseason, Angel Reese, the standout LSU basketball player, shared her genuine thoughts about Caitlin Clark, the Iowa Hawkeyes star who became one of the most talked-about athletes in women’s college basketball. Their rivalry, sparked by a memorable matchup in the NCAA championship game, has captivated fans and sports commentators alike, leading to discussions about both players’ contrasting styles, personalities, and competitive spirit. In the offseason, Reese took the opportunity to reflect on her feelings about Clark and provide some context on the tension that had arisen during the national championship game.
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship game in April 2023 was a historic moment for both LSU and the sport. The game ended with LSU’s victory over Iowa, securing the Tigers’ first-ever NCAA women’s basketball title. However, it was the post-game drama that really put the spotlight on both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Reese, known for her confident and brash persona, made headlines after taunting Clark with a “You can’t see me” hand gesture, similar to the one Clark had famously used during the tournament. This act of taunting became a flashpoint, with media outlets and fans divided in their reactions.
In the immediate aftermath, many critics and commentators slammed Reese for her actions, accusing her of poor sportsmanship. However, Reese defended her actions, stating that it was all in the spirit of competition. She argued that Clark had done the same gesture earlier in the tournament, and as a result, she was simply responding in kind. The tension between the two athletes quickly became a subject of national conversation, with Reese receiving support from some fans who viewed her actions as a justified response, while others criticized her for engaging in what they saw as unsportsmanlike behavior.
Over the course of the offseason, as both players became more integrated into the national conversation surrounding women’s sports, Reese had a chance to clarify her true feelings about Clark. In interviews and social media posts, she made it clear that her animosity towards Clark was not personal. Instead, Reese described it as an intense rivalry born out of competition and the fierce desire to win. She emphasized that their rivalry was part of what made college basketball exciting, noting that she respected Clark’s skill and basketball IQ. Despite their on-court exchanges, Reese expressed admiration for Clark’s contributions to the sport and acknowledged that Clark had helped elevate the profile of women’s basketball.
Reese went on to say that the rivalry was not something she sought out but was rather a natural consequence of their success and the high stakes of the championship game. She pointed out that when two top players face off on the biggest stage, emotions are bound to run high, and the intensity of the moment can lead to on-court gestures or statements that may be misunderstood. For Reese, the rivalry with Clark was about two athletes giving their all for their teams, and while their personalities might differ, the passion they shared for the game was something they both respected.
In an interview, Reese reflected on the way the media had blown up the rivalry, mentioning how certain narratives were often exaggerated for drama, which sometimes overshadowed the genuine love both players had for the game. She also noted how the coverage had shifted her perspective on the sport, giving her an understanding of the different ways women’s basketball is viewed compared to its male counterpart. Despite the controversies surrounding their rivalry, Reese made it clear that she had no ill will toward Clark and that their future matchups, if any, would be purely about basketball, without any lingering personal animosity.
Reese’s comments served to humanize the rivalry and bring nuance to the public perception of both players. While the 2023 championship game had been a defining moment for both, the offseason offered a chance for reflection, and Reese’s words helped set the stage for a healthier, more respectful dynamic between two of college basketball’s biggest stars. The mutual respect between Reese and Clark was evident, and it was clear that both players understood the importance of their rivalry in growing the sport.
As Reese continues her career in the WNBA, the legacy of her time in college basketball, including her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, will undoubtedly remain a part of the conversation, but her comments in the offseason helped to remind fans that, at the end of the day, it’s all about the love of the game.
