In the world of women’s college basketball, few names have garnered as much attention over the past few years as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Both players have dominated headlines, social media, and sports discussions, each for their extraordinary talent and impactful performances.

Recently, sports commentator Jason Whitlock stirred the pot by asserting that Angel Reese owes some of her fame to Caitlin Clark, going so far as to suggest that without Caitlin Clark, few would know Angel Reese’s name.

This bold statement warrants a closer examination of both players’ careers, their individual accomplishments, and the dynamics of their intertwined fame.

To understand Whitlock’s perspective, it’s essential to look at the timelines and narratives surrounding both athletes. Caitlin Clark burst onto the national scene earlier, becoming a household name during her time at Iowa. Her incredible scoring ability, playmaking skills, and charismatic personality quickly made her a fan favourite and a media darling.

Clark’s games regularly attracted large audiences, both in-person and on television, and her social media following grew exponentially. By the time Angel Reese entered the national spotlight, Caitlin Clark was already a well-established star, drawing significant attention to women’s college basketball.

Angel Reese, on the other hand, made her mark during her tenure at LSU. Known for her fierce competitiveness, dominant rebounding, and unapologetic confidence, Reese became a polarising figure.

Her memorable gestures, such as the “You can’t see me” celebration during the NCAA tournament, went viral and cemented her as a sports personality beyond just her athletic abilities. Reese’s confrontations and interactions with other players, including Caitlin Clark, often dominated post-game discussions and social media trends.

Whitlock’s argument hinges on the idea that Reese’s most famous moments are directly tied to her interactions with Clark. The most notable of these was during the 2023 NCAA Elite Eight matchup between LSU and Iowa.

This game was highly anticipated, not just because it featured two of the best teams, but also due to the narrative built around the individual matchup between Reese and Clark. The game lived up to the hype, with both players delivering outstanding performances.

However, it was Reese’s post-game celebrations and interactions with Clark that stole the spotlight. These moments were endlessly replayed and discussed, propelling Reese into the mainstream media.

It is undeniable that the Elite Eight game and the subsequent interactions between Reese and Clark played a significant role in elevating Reese’s public profile.

The game was one of the most-watched women’s college basketball games in history, and the narrative of the “trash talk” between Reese and Clark added an extra layer of intrigue. Social media exploded with reactions, debates, and memes, many of which centred on Reese.

This exposure introduced her to a broader audience who may not have been following women’s college basketball closely. In this sense, Whitlock has a point: the heightened attention on the LSU-Iowa game, largely due to Clark’s pre-existing fame, did serve as a platform for Reese to gain national recognition.

However, to suggest that Reese would be completely unknown without Clark is an oversimplification. Angel Reese’s talent and personality would have found a way to shine through regardless.

Prior to the Elite Eight matchup, Reese was already making waves at LSU. She was a key player for the Tigers, consistently putting up impressive statistics and leading her team in crucial games. Reese’s dominance on the court and her confident demeanour had already started to attract attention within the college basketball community.

Moreover, Reese’s transfer from Maryland to LSU also generated significant media coverage. Transfers of high-profile athletes always draw interest, and Reese’s decision, along with her immediate impact at LSU, kept her in the limelight. Her performances throughout the season, including multiple games where she outperformed expectations, contributed to her growing reputation.

By the time the Elite Eight rolled around, Reese was already a notable player in her own right; the game against Iowa and her interactions with Clark simply amplified an already rising star.

It is also worth considering the broader context of women’s college basketball. The sport has been on an upward trajectory in terms of popularity, with increasing media coverage, higher television ratings, and growing social media engagement. Both Reese and Clark have benefited from this rising tide, as the sport’s growing popularity provides a larger stage for their talents.

Other players, such as Paige Bueckers of UConn and Aliyah Boston of South Carolina, have also played significant roles in elevating the sport’s profile. The success and visibility of women’s college basketball as a whole create an environment where multiple stars can shine simultaneously.

Another angle to consider is the media’s role in shaping narratives. Sports media thrives on compelling stories and rivalries, and the dynamic between Reese and Clark provided a ready-made narrative that was too good to pass up.

Media outlets, sports commentators, and social media influencers all contributed to amplifying this storyline, ensuring that every interaction between the two players received maximum attention.

This media ecosystem means that even if Reese and Clark had not directly interacted, the media would likely have found other ways to spotlight Reese’s talents. The media’s hunger for engaging content ensures that talented athletes will find their moment in the spotlight.

Critics of Whitlock’s take might argue that it undermines Reese’s individual achievements and the effort she put into becoming a standout athlete. Reese’s work ethic, skill development, and on-court performances are what truly earn her recognition.

While Clark’s fame may have provided a boost, it is Reese’s own abilities and persona that have solidified her status as a star. To reduce Reese’s fame to merely a byproduct of Clark’s would be to disregard the countless hours of training, the games won, and the records broken that define her career.

In conclusion, while Jason Whitlock’s assertion that Angel Reese owes some of her fame to Caitlin Clark holds a kernel of truth, it is an incomplete picture.

The interplay between their talents and the media narratives surrounding them undoubtedly contributed to Reese’s rapid rise to fame. However, Angel Reese’s own skills, performances, and personality have been, and will continue to be, the foundation of her success.

Both athletes have elevated women’s college basketball, and their stories are interlinked in a way that has benefited the sport as a whole. Rather than pitting them against each other, it is more constructive to recognise how their individual and collective contributions have captured the attention of fans and elevated the profile of women’s basketball.