Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark were two of the NCAA’s most dominant players, and they were meant to meet off. That moment would come during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, when LSU and Iowa competed for the title.
Before the title game, Clark had already ascended to tremendous heights and was displaying her brilliance (and cockiness) during the Final Four. Clark was photographed raising her hand in her face after the Hawkeyes defeated Louisville 97-83 to go to the Final Four, reminiscent of WWE star John Cena. The hand gesture is intended to convey Cena’s catchphrase, “You can’t see me.”
That gesture would be returned to Clark as the Hawkeyes and Tigers advanced to the NCAA Tournament Championship. Despite Clark’s game-high 30 points, the Hawkeyes were outscored in every category. The Tigers’ all-around play proved too much for their opponents, and they defeated the Hawkeyes 102-85 to win the title.
In the last moments of the fourth quarter, Reese slapped Clark with the “You can’t see me” gesture and pointed to her finger, indicating that she would receive a championship ring. The rivalry began.
Fast forward a year, and the Tigers and Hawkeyes met again in the 2023 Elite Eight. This time, the Hawkeyes gained their revenge, defeating their opponents 94-87.
This would be Reese and Clark’s final season at the university level, since they were both drafted into the WNBA. Clark was selected first overall by the Indiana Fever, while Reese was drafted seventh overall by the Chicago Sky.
Clark has now emerged as a huge star, attracting a lot of attention to the WNBA. One of the most significant developments was that the league provided clubs with chartered flights for the first time ever.
Though no one can disagree that Clark has had a significant impact on the sport, some may dismiss the notion that he is the sole contributor. Reese took a swipe at Clark in a deleted X post, but it could also be a response to comments made by a former NBA player.
Reese added, “And that’s on winning in a crowded area, not just because of one player on our charter flight.” #SKYTOWN.”
Reese could be referencing to reports that Clark was entirely responsible for the charter flights, or she’s simply mocking her former collegiate rival. In any case, the Sky and Fever will meet off on June 1 in what promises to be an entertaining matchup.
Clark’s star power is evident, and it has attracted a lot of negative attention. Former NBA great Charles Barkley addressed the unfavorable publicity, saying that ladies are “hating” Clark when they shouldn’t be.
“You women out there are petty, guy. Hey, LeBron, you’re completely correct about these gals hating on Caitlin Clark. You’re petty, gals. I expect males to be petty since we are the most insecure people in the world… “Don’t be petty like dudes.”
Naturally, several WNBA players responded to Barkley’s comments, stating that they totally support Clark and the exposure she has brought to basketball. Even if some argue that Clark is not the main reason the WNBA is in the spotlight, there is no doubting her significant impact on the sport.
