The world of collegiate women’s basketball has been set ablaze in recent years with the rise of high-profile stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Both players have amassed enormous fanbases, lucrative NIL deals, and an undeniable presence on and off the court. However, not all press is good press, and for Angel Reese, a recent statistical comparison has ignited a firestorm of controversy — and reportedly, fury from the LSU star herself.

A new advanced analytics stat making waves on social media paints Reese in a less-than-flattering light. The stat, dubbed “Effective Possession Efficiency” (EPE), measures a player’s overall contribution to a team’s success by combining shooting efficiency, turnover rate, and defensive impact per possession.

While traditional stats like points and rebounds still favor Reese, EPE reveals a more nuanced picture. Reese’s EPE ranks significantly lower than expected for a player of her caliber, with critics comparing her impact to that of a “baby giraffe” — a jab at her sometimes-awkward footwork and lack of agility in transition defense.

The comparison quickly went viral, with memes flooding Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Some show split screens of Reese and a baby giraffe attempting to run, poking fun at her movement on the court.

While the internet can be a cruel place, the narrative gained traction due to the stark contrast between Reese’s public persona and her apparent statistical shortfalls.

Several analysts weighed in, noting that while Reese dominates in physicality and rebounding, her efficiency metrics lag behind those of other top-tier players, particularly Caitlin Clark.

Clark, often hailed as the Steph Curry of women’s college basketball, continues to set records with her long-range shooting, court vision, and leadership.

Her EPE is among the highest in the NCAA, and she’s frequently credited with elevating the profile of women’s basketball nationally.

The comparison between Clark and Reese has long been a topic of debate among fans and pundits. However, this latest stat has tilted the scales in Clark’s favor — not only in terms of scoring or shooting range but also in overall team impact.

Sources close to Reese have stated that the LSU forward is “furious” over the recent public ridicule. She reportedly feels that the comparisons are not only unfair but also disrespectful to the hard work she has put into her game.

One insider claimed that Reese believes she is being held to an unreasonable standard and that the media is attempting to pit two powerful women athletes against each other for clicks and controversy. She’s also pointed out that her role on LSU is vastly different from Clark’s at Iowa, making a one-to-one comparison misleading.

What’s more, Reese’s supporters argue that the “baby giraffe” label is more than just a joke — it’s a veiled insult with sexist and racist undertones, reducing a powerful Black athlete to a caricature.

Prominent figures in sports media have also begun to push back against the narrative. ESPN analyst Monica McNutt recently defended Reese, saying, “Let’s not forget what Angel brings to the table — tenacity, leadership, and a presence in the paint that few can match. Stats are important, but they don’t tell the whole story.”

Still, the numbers are hard to ignore. According to recent data from Synergy Sports, Reese ranks in the bottom third of qualified forwards in transition defense and offensive efficiency when double-teamed.

While she continues to average a double-double in points and rebounds, her shooting percentage from mid-range has dipped, and her turnover rate has increased. Critics argue that this suggests a lack of adaptability when facing elite defenses — a key area where Clark excels.

Reese’s reaction to the criticism has been a mix of defiance and introspection. In a recent post-game interview, she addressed the controversy head-on. “People can say whatever they want,” she said.

“I know who I am. I’m not here to be Caitlin Clark. I’m Angel Reese. I bring something different, and I’m proud of that.” Her comments were met with applause from fans and teammates, but the debate continues to rage online.

Some analysts have suggested that Reese’s game may not translate as seamlessly to the WNBA as Clark’s. While Clark is already projected as a top pick and potential franchise cornerstone, scouts have reportedly expressed concerns about Reese’s mobility and shot selection.

Nevertheless, others argue that Reese’s rebounding and physical presence could make her a valuable asset in a league that still values interior play.

The divide between fans of Clark and Reese has become emblematic of a larger cultural split in women’s sports. On one hand, you have the polished, perimeter-shooting, media-savvy Clark — a player who embodies the modern game. On the other, Reese represents grit, hustle, and emotion — a throwback to old-school basketball with a modern flair.

Both have their merits, but the statistical comparison has intensified the scrutiny on Reese, forcing her to either adapt her game or silence critics the old-fashioned way — by winning.

Meanwhile, LSU’s coaching staff has remained tight-lipped on the matter. Head coach Kim Mulkey has only praised Reese publicly, calling her “the heart of this team” and downplaying the significance of the EPE stat.

However, insiders suggest that behind closed doors, there have been discussions about refining Reese’s conditioning and defensive positioning to better align with the demands of elite-level play.

As the NCAA tournament looms, all eyes will be on both Reese and Clark. The pressure is immense, and the stakes are higher than ever. For Reese, the recent criticism — while hurtful — may serve as motivation.

Her competitive nature is well-documented, and those close to her say she’s using the slight as fuel heading into the postseason. Whether she can silence the doubters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Angel Reese is not backing down.

In the end, the true value of a player isn’t always captured by advanced metrics or viral memes. While the “baby giraffe” comparison may sting, it also reflects the intense spotlight under which Reese now plays.

She’s no Caitlin Clark — and that might not be a bad thing. In a sport that thrives on diversity of talent and style, both players bring unique gifts to the court.

But for Angel Reese, the time has come to prove that the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story — and that greatness can’t always be measured in numbers.