Rising Stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Shine in WNBA All-Star Weekend

PHOENIX (AP) — During this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend, two standout players, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, will find themselves once more in the limelight as they compete against the U.S. Olympic team. The former college rivals, who faced off in dramatic championship scenarios, now unite on the All-Star team, demonstrating their prowess in the professional league.

Angel Reese, who played for LSU, and Caitlin Clark of Iowa first made headlines when Reese’s team triumphed over Clark’s in the national championship match in 2023. However, the rivalry reignited when Clark’s Hawkeyes eliminated the Tigers during the Elite Eight of the subsequent NCAA tournament.

Despite the media frenzy surrounding their performances, both players have proven their ability to hold their own against some of the best talent in the WNBA. Their achievements signify not just personal success but also reflect a broader movement elevating women’s sports.

Clark expressed her belief that this momentum extends beyond basketball, emphasizing the growing investment and interest in women’s sports across various disciplines. “I definitely think it’s much more than women’s basketball. I think you look across the board at all women’s sports, and people are really invested in it and show up for it,” she remarked. She noted that women’s basketball has taken a leading role in this trend, which is well-deserved due to the impressive caliber of talent on display.

Clark and Reese have both navigated challenges, both on the court and off, throughout their inaugural season in the WNBA. Nevertheless, they have thrived under pressure, demonstrating their resilience and skill.

Nneka Ogwumike, the WNBA union president, reminded Reese during the draft that the health of the league relied on her performance. “This league depends on you playing well, you know well. And she understood that things weren’t going to be handed to her,” Ogwumike stated. It appears that Reese has tackled the pressures of stardom head-on, as evidenced by her outstanding play, while Clark has consistently performed despite outside scrutiny.

The remarkable journey of both players has contributed to impressive ratings and attendance figures for the WNBA this season, a continuation of their collegiate success. Clark notably concluded the NCAA Division I season as the all-time scoring leader, while Reese clinched the NCAA championship with LSU.

With their exceptional performances in the WNBA, Clark and Reese’s rookie season has the potential to increase the overall value of the league, especially in light of the recent $2.2 billion media rights deal that spans 11 years.

A'ja Wilson, a star player for the Las Vegas Aces, praised the pair’s ability to back up their talent. “To actually be good at what they do is important because it wouldn’t be good if they weren’t and no one wants to see you play,” Wilson commented, acknowledging the significance of their achievements.

Reese currently leads the league in rebounds, while Clark holds the top spot for assists, recently shattering the league’s single-game assists record during her last outing before the Olympic break. Additionally, Reese has already made her mark by breaking the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles in a season.

Reflecting on their incredible journey, Reese expressed her astonishment at her participation in the All-Star Game. “I never would have dreamed that I would have been playing in the All-Star Game as a rookie,” she shared, highlighting the remarkable nature of her ascent in the professional ranks.

Brittney Griner, who was part of a previous generation of college stars, commended Clark and Reese for their hard work and dedication. She said, “They put in all the hard work and they do everything. They’re not just running on media; they actually play hard too. I’m just happy that there’s validation for all those people that had doubts.”

As the WNBA All-Star Weekend unfolds, the spotlight shines brightly on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Their journey represents the evolution of women’s sports, signifying that these athletes are not just future stars but also pivotal figures in shaping the present and future of the league.