Author: lehang1

Angel Reese hailed Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu as two of the WNBA’s finest three-point shooters.

The league is now stacked with eye-catching talent. The more experienced 27-year-old Ionescu celebrated her first championship with the New York Liberty after toppling the Minnesota Lynx in October.

Meanwhile, the young duo of Reese and Clark, both 22, burst onto the professional scene earlier this year after shining at college level. They clashed in the 2024 NCAA title game with Reese and LSU halting Clark’s impressive career at Iowa, where she set records in scoring and assists.

On her podcast ‘Unapologetically Angel’, the Chicago Sky star didn’t shy away from praising Clark and Ionescu while chatting with Funny Marco. The comedian, who made his passion for the WNBA clear, asked Reese to name the best shooters of the league.

Initially, she mentioned: “Between Caitlin, Diana Taurasi…” She then sought Marco’s opinion, who brought Breanna Stewart and Ionescu into the mix, choices Reese concurred with.

Statistically, this past campaign Clark led the quartet in three-point efficiency at 34.4%, followed closely by veteran Taurasi’s 33.3% and Ionescu trailing just slightly with 33.2%. Despite being a three-time champion, Stewart turned in her worst three-point shooting season ever, hitting a mere 29.5% from deep.

Clark has also previously sung Reese’s praises, saying earlier this year: “The thing that really stands out is the offensive rebounding. She did the exact same thing to us when we were in college too.

“She’s just such a great offensive rebounder. She’s always just had a knack for that. It’s not always something you can teach. I think she just has a really good eye for the ball off the rim and can go get it.”.

While Clark led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016, Reese couldn’t do the same with the Sky, who had a dismal 13-27 record this past season.

The rivalry that ignited during the 2023 NCAA Final took bigger stage again in 2024 as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark stepped onto the WNBA scene. Their clash in the 2023 NCAA Finals had already set the stage for what could be an exciting showdown. Angel Reese’s classy “you can’t see me” gestures stirred quite the buzz, sparking debates across social media. While some rallied behind Caitlin Clark, others were captivated by Reese’s bold attitude, instantly becoming her fans.

In 2024, these former college basketball stars made their much-anticipated debuts in the WNBA, facing off multiple times throughout the season. As the year wraps up, let’s rewind and revisit the top five moments where Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry stole the spotlight and had fans buzzing.

 5. WNBA Draft meet: (April 15, 2024)

After four successful years in college basketball, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark were ready to take the next step in their careers by entering the WNBA. But first, they had to go through the exciting WNBA Drafts in mid-April. Given their intense rivalry, especially since Reese joined LSU, fans were eagerly anticipating the moment they’d see these two stars at the event where their WNBA futures would be decided

At the draft, Clark was selected as the No. 1 pick by the Fever, while Reese was picked 7th by the Chicago Sky. Despite their fierce rivalry and the difference in their draft positions, the two showed no signs of tension between them. In fact, they even posed for pictures together, with everyone recognizing them as the next big rising stars of the year.

But the real action was yet to come, as the following months promised some intense matchups between the two.

4. Pro stage debut: Reese vs. Clark – (June 1, 2024)

The WNBA season kicked off in May, but fans had to wait until June for the highly anticipated matchup between the star rookies. By the time the Indiana Fever played their 10th game against the Windy City, Clark’s team had struggled, winning just one of their first nine games. On the other hand, Reese’s team had fared better, securing three wins out of their six games.

As predicted, the showdown was an absolute nail-biter, with the Fever narrowly edging out the visitors 71-70. While the home team celebrated a hard-fought victory, neither Clark nor Reese delivered their most dominant performances. Clark contributed 11 points and 8 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills, while “Chi-Town Barbie” put up 8 points but flexed her dominance on the boards with an impressive 13 rebounds.

However, the game’s defining moment wasn’t in the score line but in a heated third-quarter exchange that had everyone talking. Sky’s Chennedy Carter stormed toward Caitlin Clark, delivering a shoulder shove that sent the Fever star crashing to the floor. To add fuel to the fire, it was observed that Carter muttered, “You b–ch,” just before the shove. The referees slapped Carter with a Flagrant 1 violation, awarding Clark a free throw, which she confidently sank.

But what really set the fans buzzing was Angel Reese’s reaction. Sharp-eyed viewers caught Reese seemingly celebrating Carter’s aggressive move against her rival, sparking even more drama in an already fiery rivalry. Nevertheless, despite all the tension and drama, the first showdown between Reese and Clark proved to be a nail-biter, ultimately ending in favor of the Iowa alum.

3. Angel Reese’s revenge opportunity – (June 15, 2024)

Just a couple of weeks after their intense first matchup, the Fever and Sky were set to face off once more at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After a narrow yet humiliating loss to her archrival Caitlin Clark, it seemed like Reese was out for revenge, determined to get the win. But once again, she and the Chicago Sky fell short, leaving fans disappointed and wondering what went wrong.

The Chicago Sky took another hit with a crushing 91-83 defeat. This time, it was Caitlin Clark who stole the spotlight, leading the Fever with an impressive 23 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. Meanwhile, Reese improved from their last encounter, securing a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, but her scoring still fell short.

The Sky #5 couldn’t quite make the impact needed to change the outcome, leaving her quest for revenge unfinished. However, she’ll get another shot in just 10 days.

2. Angel Reese’s comeback stunned as Caitlin Clark faces setback – (June 23, 2024)

In a twist of fate, the Fever and Sky clashed for the third time in the same month, and this time, it was supposed to be Angel Reese’s revenge. Unlike the previous matchups where the Fever had home-court advantage, this time they traveled to Wintrust Arena, hoping for a change in fortune. But guess what? The script stayed the same, and once again, the home team, Chicago, narrowly secured the win by just a single point (88-87).

Well, Reese who displayed a lackluster performance in past matchups, shone brightest on that night and recorded 25 points along with 16 rebounds. It was the game high indivicual score and also was part of Reese’s record breaking consecutive double-double streak. Clark fell short of Reese’s individual score and recorded 17 points. However, her playmaking didn’t fade away as she recorded 13 points as well.

Despite this being their final showdown before the All-Star break, the tension between these two rivals only intensified. Ironically, both players found themselves on the same team during the All-Star game. But when they faced off again in August, it wasn’t Reese who got to make a statement by tying the series. Instead, it was Clark’s Fever who handed the Sky their third loss in the four-game series, leaving Reese’s revenge still unfulfilled.

However, the most intense moment of this rivalry came long before they ever set foot in the WNBA. It all went down during March Madness, when Clark and Reese clashed on the college court in April.

1. March Madness: The final showdown of their college rivalry – (April 1, 2024)

In April, LSU and Iowa were ready to clash in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, and for Caitlin Clark, this was personal. After a crushing defeat in the 2023 Final to Angel Reese’s LSU, the Des Moines native was on a mission for revenge. And Clark delivered, leading Iowa to a dominant 94-87 victory over Kim Mulkey’s squad, sending LSU packing from the tournament.

Clark was on fire, dropping a jaw-dropping 41 points, along with 12 assists and 7 rebounds, completely overshadowing her rival. On the other hand, Angel Reese had a solid performance with 17 points and a double-double, pulling down 20 rebounds. But it was Clark who stole the show, leading Iowa to a stunning victory and setting records straight for 2023 loss.

While these five moments showcased the intensity of the Reese-Clark rivalry in 2024, their seasons ended in starkly different ways. A season-ending injury cut Reese’s campaign short in the final week of the regular season, while the Connecticut Sun knocked Clark and the Fever out in the first round, despite ending an 8-year playoff drought.

Clark’s undeniable impact on the league and the Fever’s performance ultimately earned her Rookie of the Year honors. Still, it begs the question: how will this fierce rivalry play out when they clash again in 2025?

In basketball, every season begins with a new slate, but some players redefine the narrative for ages. In 2024, Caitlin Clark wasn’t just a name—she was the story. Conquering WNBA records and capturing hearts across the basketball spectrum from 2023, Clark’s year unfolded like a perfectly executed fast break: unstoppable, awe-inspiring, and meticulously crafted. As the calendar turns, her legacy stands as a towering testament to determination and talent. But beneath the records and accolades lies a pivotal decision and an unexpected snub that set the stage for her meteoric rise.

Rachel DeMita captured this phenomenon succinctly in a recent episode of The Courtside Club by stating “It was her firstly picking Iowa, a school that was never this huge powerhouse in basketball. It was a place where she could dominate. It was a place where she already had homegrown fans built in. It was a place where she was able to elevate an entire program of basketball.”

This decision, made against the backdrop of UConn’s storied dominance under Geno Auriemma, would become the foundation of Clark’s journey to stardom.

DeMita continued, reflecting on what might have been: “It was the best decision she could have made. I know that Geno and UConn passed on Caitlin Clark, and I think that was like the biggest blessing in disguise for her. Because I think, say Caitlin Clark went to UConn or went to one of these bigger powerhouse schools… I would almost bet money that we wouldn’t have this thing happen.”

For years, young basketball players have dreamed of donning UConn’s jersey. Under Auriemma’s guidance, the Huskies had amassed an aura of invincibility, from four consecutive national championships to an unprecedented 111-game win streak. Clark, however, charted her own course. Although UConn was once her dream destination, her rejection became a pivotal moment in her journey.

“I think they’re (UConn) the coolest place on earth, and I wanted to say I got recruited by them,” Clark told ESPN. “They called my AAU coach a few times, but they never talked to my family and never talked to me.”

Auriemma, in turn, explained his decision. With a commitment already secured from Paige Bueckers, the No. 1-ranked point guard in Clark’s recruiting class, UConn opted not to pursue her aggressively.

“If Caitlin really wanted to come to UConn, she would have called me and said, ‘Coach, I really want to come to UConn,‘” Auriemma stated. “Neither of us lost out. She made the best decision for her, and it’s worked out great. We made the decision we thought we needed to make.”

DeMita emphasized how Clark’s rise was uniquely organic: “This moment in time happened in women’s basketball, it started there. It started organically. She built fans and she built this frenzy around her organically. It wasn’t the media pushing her on any of us. It was fans hearing about her, seeing her highlights, being at games, being like, ‘What is this buzz? Who is this girl taking two steps over half court and launching it?’”

Yet, for Caitlin Clark, the decision not to join UConn was no mere turnover. It was the start of a fast break, one that would see her take center court and redefine the possibilities of college basketball.

From snub to sensation: Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking rise

The snub became the ignition point for one of the most extraordinary college basketball careers ever witnessed. Over four years, she shattered records with the same precision she displayed from three-point range.

From becoming the all-time NCAA Division I scoring leader to being a 2x Naismith Player of the Year, her accolades turned Iowa—a program far from the perennial powerhouse UConn represents—into a national sensation.

The numbers speak for themselves. Averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 139 career games, Clark achieved feats unparalleled in NCAA history.

In 2024 alone, she became the first Division I women’s player to score at least 1,000 points in two seasons and shattered the Big Ten’s career scoring and assist records. Her performances weren’t just statistically impressive; they electrified arenas and captivated audiences worldwide.

As the New Year dawns, Clark’s story reminds us of the beauty of basketball: that every missed opportunity can pave the way for greatness, and every decision can redefine history.

Geno Auriemma may not have seen Caitlin Clark as a fit for UConn, but 2024 proved she was the perfect fit for basketball’s evolving narrative. Her dominance wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a slam dunk for the sport.

As the new year approaches and fans turn their attention to the season ahead, Angel Reese is already making waves—not just on the court but in her personal life too. With another high-octane year ahead, Reese has found herself at the intersection of sports and romance, with a stunning prediction taking center stage. And, true to form, it has all the makings of a buzzer-beater moment.

In a recent post on Snapchat, Reese shared a witty moment when a filter predicted, as its very first, that 2025 would be the year of her wedding. The forecast, delivered with the usual flair of social media fun, left the WNBA star utterly speechless.

But as the year draws to a close, one can’t help but wonder if this prediction is a lighthearted jest or something more significant. The timing, in particular, adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Just two weeks before this Snapchat moment, Reese had opened up about love and relationships on her podcast Unapologetically Angel, making the playful prediction seem all the more fitting.

During the episode, Reese sat down with rapper Sexyy Red to discuss their differing views on love and marriage. The conversation kicked off with a simple yet profound question that had been weighing on Reese’s mind “So you ever think you going to get married?”

Sexyy Red, known for her unapologetic and no-nonsense approach to life, didn’t hesitate to voice her skepticism about marriage. “I mean, you can sign a piece of paper and still cheat,” she responded, sharing her jaded view from past experiences.

“I know men that be cheating too. That’s why I ain’t got no hope for it,” she added, revealing her deep mistrust of men’s ability to remain faithful.

As the clock ticks down on 2024, and with the new year just around the corner, Angel Reese is gearing up for what could be a game-changing year—not just on the court, but in her personal life too. While Sexyy Red may have written off love as a losing game, Reese remains steadfast, holding onto the ball of hope, ready to take a shot at true love.

Reese stays hopeful about love as Snapchat filter predicts 2025 wedding

Reese, however, wasn’t so quick to give up on the idea of true love. She firmly believed that despite Red’s reservations, there was still hope for finding a loyal partner. “That’s why you find a good man, good, he’s a good man,” Reese asserted, emphasizing that faith and hope were critical in any relationship.

Back in 2023, Reese opened up about her relationship with a fellow basketball athlete Cam’Ron Fletcher. Many thought the two would last. Alas, the house of cards came down as quickly as it made it to the internet. Although denying any attachment with others, the Sky No. 5 is clearly keeping her hopes up for a future romance.

Even in the face of Red’s disillusionment, Reese held onto her belief that a committed relationship could exist. “You just got to believe and have hope and have faith. Faith is good,” she said, offering a refreshing dose of optimism.

via Imago

As the conversation progressed, Reese continued to challenge Red’s outlook on relationships, pushing her to explain why she had such little faith in men. “Why you say that?” Reese asked, pressing Red to reveal more about her cynicism.

Red’s frustration was evident, her skepticism about loyalty and commitment clear. But Reese remained steadfast in her hopeful vision of romance. “You’re going to run across your knight in shining armor, and he’s going to take you and lift you off your feet,” she said, painting a picture of a love that transcends Red’s experience.

With this candid discussion on relationships and the playful wedding prediction made by the Snapchat filter, Reese’s year is shaping up to be filled with both on-court and off-court excitement.

Whether the 2025 wedding is a serious reality or just a fun piece of social media humor, one thing is for sure: Angel Reese’s journey will be one to watch closely. With her infectious optimism and unwavering belief in true love, the year ahead promises to be a thrilling ride for both her personal and professional life.

It’s been the year of Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson. Whether it’s Clark’s logo threes or Wilson’s creativity in the post, the WNBA Rookie of the Year and the MVP for 2024 were no doubt the stars of this year. But surprisingly, despite their large fanbase and their extraordinary talent, they’re not counted among the league’s highest-paid players. Who is the highest paid, then?

When Angel Reese revealed that she didn’t even know her league salary and that in any case, it did not even cover her rent, it sparked a renewed conversation around women athletes’ salaries. While rookies have a cap and Reese got paid $73,439 in 2024, whereas CC received a paycheck of $76,535, Wilson was a little better at $200,000. And yet, if we look at only league salaries, which W players do not split 50-50 like the NBA with their franchises but receive on average about 10% of their team’s revenue, these three don’t count in the top 5.

Diana Taurasi, Arike Ogunbowale, Kahleah Copper

Reports of NBA players’ salaries being as high as 60 times more than those of WNBA players may be greatly exaggerated. But there’s no doubt that the general opinion is that W players get paid in peanuts. Nevertheless, if the top 5 were to be selected, No. 5 would be the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, with a base salary of $234,936 in 2024. The 41-year-old, who is a three-time WNBA champion, one-time league MVP, two-time WNBA Finals MVP, and 10-time All-Star, does not look like she plans to retire anytime soon either.

No. 4 on the list is Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings with a base salary of  $241,984. Previously of Notre Dame fame, the sister of Houston Texans running back Oluwadare “Dare” Ogunbowale, Arike is a three-time All-Star and ended the 2020 season as the league’s leading scorer with 22.8 average points per game

Meanwhile, the third spot is occupied by Taurasi’s Mercury teammate, Kahleah Copper. Joining the team in 2024 after successful stints with the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics, Copper is an Olympic gold medalist. The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP brings home a base salary of $245,059; interestingly, if you look at a team-wise breakdown of top earners, the Mercury rank at No. 8 but have two of the top 5 on their roster.

Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd set the bar high

Clark is tied with Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Rickea Jackson for the highest-paid rookie honor in 2024. But her off-the-court earnings of around $8 million rank her in the 13th spot on Forbes‘ World’s Highest-Paid Female Athletes list this year. Wilson doesn’t rank anywhere on it. But WNBA-wise, the second highest earner in league salary is Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm with a base salary of $245,508.

Also known as the “Gold Mamba”, Loyd is also a former ROTY and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. A former No. 1 overall selection, Loyd is also a two-time WNBA champion and the 2023 scoring leader and her annual salary is a result of the extension she signed with the Storm.

The league’s top earner plays for the Las Vegas Aces but as we established, is not A’ja Wilson. It is, in fact, Jackie Young, with the highest base salary of  $252,450. The 27-year-old was the first overall pick in 2019 for Las Vegas and has been instrumental in their two back-to-back WNBA championships. Her base salary is also a result of a two-year extension with the Aces.

With viewership now steadily growing, combined with the new media rights agreement between the NBA and WNBA, the pay gap in the two leagues should be bridged. It’s a hot topic that is only going to catch fire as women’s sports gain more popularity.

After a year full of basketball heroics, Caitlin Clark is finally resting in the offseason and getting ready for an even better comeback in 2025. But much to fans’ delight, the honors keep rolling in one after the other. After claiming the TIME Athlete of the Year title and appearing on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women, the Indiana Fever guard is also the AP Athlete of the Year. But much like her Rookie of the Year win, this was not a unanimous decision from Associated Press reporters and one analyst finds it unbelievable.

OutKick’s Charly Arnolt says in a recent video on YouTube, “Even places that are suspected to be a little bit more non-biased, like the AP, which generally speaking just puts out straight facts, like they usually don’t insert much opinion into their reporting, it’s more of just like – here are the facts, and then other news organizations can run with those facts.”

When one anonymous reporter gave one first-place vote to Angel Reese in the ROTY voting, all hell broke loose. While her impact was a notable factor, her rookie season records, 27 as put out by Indiana Fever (a few possibly left out), were to make the case. This time, CC received 35 votes, whereas Simone Biles received 25, and Imane Khelif 4 votes.

“But clearly here we have some lunatics in the mix. So AP is one more organization that you should add to your radar of maybe places not to get your sports information from if that’s what you’re looking for,” Arnolt continues. She does agree with the 25 voters who chose Biles, because anyone who watches sports knows the gymnast deserves it, given her 11 Olympic medals (4 won just this year) and 30 world championship medals. But the votes going towards Imane Khelif wasn’t it for Arnolt, who, she believes, hasn’t built a legacy like that of Biles or Clark yet.

“Anyway, Caitlin Clark, fully deserving of this award. Simone Biles even fully deserving of this award. I mean, very different types of athletes,” Arnolt says. “Probably just depends on what type of legacy you’re looking for this athlete to leave. Simone Biles has much more of a storied legacy, and Caitlin Clark has more of a newer one. But I would say the impact that Caitlin Clark immediately had on the game is something that everybody could tell and could feel.”

With this, the Iowa sensation joined an elite list of basketball players, only the fourth women’s basketball player to be honored as the female athlete of the year since it was first presented in 1931. She joins Sheryl Swoopes (1993), Rebecca Lobo (1995), and Candace Parker (2008, 2021). Incidentally, Biles did win the honor last year.

The amount of attention Clark brings to women’s sports in general and specifically basketball is a new experience for most, CC more than anyone. But she doesn’t take anything for granted.

Caitlin Clark doesn’t take her “5 seconds” of fame for granted

Just a year ago, Caitlin Clark was playing her senior year of college, hoping for another go at the Final Four after brutally losing to LSU the previous season. The Iowa Hawkeyes did get there, even if they lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks this time. But No. 22 was already popular, on her way to become a sensation, one that even coach Dawn Staley thanked in her speech after her team won.

And Clark, for her part, knows the impact she’s making. “For me it’s still really fun,” she top AP. “Whether it’s 15 seconds or 10 seconds or 5 seconds can be very impactful in a young girl and young boys life. Seeing the fans going crazy an hour before tipoff, I never take that for granted. That’s super cool and I never want that to go away.”

All the rookie records broken this year were fun to watch. Caitlin Clark established that she will not be going anywhere and her three-pointers will change the flow of any game. What will her sophomore year in the pro leagues look like? We can’t wait to find out!

Caitlin Clark, the superstar of the Indiana Fever and one of basketball’s brightest talents, is back doing what she does best — supporting her Indiana family. Whether it’s singing praises for her fellow ballers or cheering courtside, CC never shies away from showing up for her crew. And while the basketball world buzzes with anticipation for the upcoming Unrivaled league, she continues her own tradition of being present for her Indiana connections.

This time, she was spotted courtside at her home arena, Gainbridge. The Indiana Fever icon attended a G-League game with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, supporting the Indiana Mad Ants in the regular season opener. But this wasn’t her first amidst the Mad Ants’ presence. Back in October, De’Vion Harmon had already spotted Clark at the Pacers’ practice facility.

Sharing his excitement, Harmon posted on X, “Walk into the arena this morning and 2nd person I see is @CaitlinClark22 … super toughhhh 🤣.” Clearly, her presence didn’t go unnoticed.

And she did bring her courtside magic. Mad Ants absolutely crushed the Salt Lake City Stars, 127-116. Cameron McGriff led the charge with 24 points, while teammates Dakota Mathias, Tristen Newton, and Kyle Mangas chipped in 23, 22, and 20 points, respectively. De’Vion Harmon also made his mark off the bench, scoring 14 points.

While Clark was cheering on the Mad Ants, some of her closest friends were busy gearing up for the highly anticipated Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league, set to debut on January 17 in Miami, Florida. One of them is her Indiana Fever teammate Lexie Hull, who’s preparing for an interesting dynamic, partnering with CC’s rival Angel Reese.

Then, Kate Martin, the 2024 ROTY’s college best friend, is already deep in preparation mode. In a TikTok she posted earlier this month, she shared clips of her offseason training, focusing on 1-on-1 drills to hone her scoring skills. “In 3-on-3, you’re going to have to score the ball,” Martin said.

But wait, don’t think for a second that Clark is just soaking up the action from the sidelines. She’s already hitting the court herself, prepping for season two with her new head coach, Stephanie White.

Caitlin Clark masters a new shot

Caitlin Clark is working on adding a floater to her arsenal. The 22-year-old phenom, known for her deep three-point range, isn’t content with just being great. Back in September, during a game against the Dallas Wings, Clark showcased her floater in a stunning 100-93 win, leaving fans buzzing.

“If Caitlin Clark adds this floater, it’s over for the rest of the WNBA,” one fan commented on X, and honestly, we couldn’t agree more. The Fever recently posted a clip of Clark at her first practice with White, showing off her three-point shots, floaters, and layups.

White, who’s followed Clark’s career since high school, knows the rookie’s game very well and is making her mark on Clark’s development. With a new coach in her corner, Clark is looking sharper than ever. So, while Caitlin Clark may not be taking part in Unrivaled, she’s still making every moment count. As much as we await the new league, we can’t help but be just as excited for more clips of Clark’s practice sessions.

It’s time! The newest league founded by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled, is set to debut in 2025. The 3×3 women’s basketball league features six-figure salaries offered to players and has even lured big names like Angel Reese to sign on. But, will it be possible for her to hit the court this soon?

Reese had one of the best rookie seasons, breaking numerous records. However, the season ended on a rough note. She suffered a hairline fracture in her left wrist during a game, which caused her to miss the final few games of the regular season. Since then, her return to the court has been highly anticipated. She has recovered from the injury and, even more surprisingly, is set to make full use of this offseason.

Recently, she was spotted training with famed NBA trainer David Alexander. “Angel Reese today in the gym,” read a post on X, showing Reese attempting shots. Known for working with LeBron James, Alexander has earned a reputation for pushing athletes to their limits.

The collaboration underscores the Chicago Sky forward’s determination to dominate in Unrivaled. Soon she’ll be representing the Rose Basketball Club alongside stars like Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper. Despite this, her workout clips have become the center of social media buzz, with some questioning her readiness for the league.

Angel Reese up for a redemption amid online criticism

The internet is never short on opinions, and Reese’s latest training posts were no exception. While fans applauded her hustle, critics were quick to dismiss her efforts. One comment read, “45-minute taping to make 3 shots? She’s got no game.“

Averaging a double-double of nearly 13 rebounds and 13.6 points per game, Reese has always been a focal point of criticism. Despite her impressive rebounding skills, she’s often questioned for rebounding her own shots.

“Angel Reese-type of hoop,” penned a spectator on X. “Missing Angel Reese hoops,” paired with a funny meme added another. The Chicago sky forward’s decision to join Unrivaled isn’t just about basketball; it’s a financial game-changer for her.

“She’s got all the hype but no game to back it up. Let’s see if this trainer can make a difference,” added another user. As the league offers salaries far exceeding the WNBA’s average, Reese’s $250,000 salary for the eight-week season is a significant opportunity for her to secure her future.

Beyond the financial perks, Reese views Unrivaled as a stepping stone for skill enhancement. “Angel Reese should be worried about her mid-range game when all she does is put back her own rebounds,“ added another spectator. And they’re right. In her rookie WNBA season, Reese converted approximately 31% of her mid-range shots, indicating room for development in this aspect of her game.

Competing alongside 34 of the WNBA’s top players, she has expressed excitement about learning from the best. “I’m really looking forward to honing my skills and getting better,” she said in an earlier interview.

As Reese prepares to make her mark in Unrivaled, the spotlight—and scrutiny—will only intensify. Her partnership with Alexander signals a serious commitment to her craft, despite the naysayers. Whether she silences critics or fuels more debate, one thing is certain: Reese isn’t backing down.

What do you think? Comment down below!

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark stole the spotlight after being spotted with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, at an NBA G League game.

While fans were hooked on the clash between the Indiana Mad Ants and the Salt Lake City Stars, the WNBA star couldn’t go unnoticed with her undeniable presence and charm.

In an Instagram post shared by the Mad Ants, Clark was seen beaming with a smile beside McCaffery as they sat courtside.

“@caitlinclark22 is in the house tonight for the regular season opener,” the post reads.

The Fever guard embraced a comfy, casual look, sporting an oversized Nike zip-up hoodie and a white Nike shirt, while her boyfriend mirrored her style in a dark gray Nike hoodie and black pants.

Following Clark’s appearance at the NBA G League game, fans couldn’t help but gush over how adorable she and McCaffery looked together as a couple.

“Too much cuteness, too little time,” one wrote.

“They are such an adorable couple,” a second user chimed in.

The same sentiment was shared by fans who said, “Beautiful couple!”

“Two Iowa legends,” another added, referring to Clark as an Iowa women’s basketball alum, while her boyfriend used to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Others also expressed their delight at seeing the couple on G League posts, with one fan commenting on how refreshing it was to witness their chemistry.

“@indianafever Caitlin/Connor content is always welcome. Thank you in advance.”

Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery.

Interestingly, Clark and her boyfriend have been spotted together at several basketball games, including multiple NBA outings, often attending Indiana Pacers games.

Their close connection to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, a mutual friend, has made these appearances even more special.

2024 has undoubtedly been Caitlyn Clark’s year, and it’s high time that we officially crown her as the face of basketball. From breaking records to dominating headlines, her achievements have made a significant impact not only on the sport but also on the world at large.

Rachel Deita, in her “Courtside Club” video, reflects on Caitlyn’s incredible journey and the multitude of accolades she has received this year. Clark was recently named the AP Female Athlete of the Year, a well-deserved honor given her undeniable influence in women’s sports. This award, announced on Christmas Eve, was a recognition of her unparalleled impact both on the court and off it. Caitlyn raised the profile of women’s basketball, taking Iowa to the national championship game and becoming the number one pick in the WNBA draft, where she went on to win Rookie of the Year.

Her list of awards and records has grown so extensive that it’s become almost a meme, as fans and media outlets scramble to keep up with her achievements. Clark’s influence has not just been on the court, where her performances speak for themselves, but in the way she’s changed the landscape of women’s sports, particularly basketball. With the WNBA rapidly becoming the fastest-growing sports brand worldwide, Clark’s effect is undeniable. In fact, she accounts for a significant portion of the WNBA’s total revenue, estimated at 26%, showcasing her role in transforming the league.

What stands out about Caitlyn’s success is that it’s not just about her individual performances, though they have been spectacular. It’s about the visibility she’s brought to the sport, attracting a broader audience and increasing viewership. Her national championship game alone drew 18 million viewers—more than the NBA Finals, an extraordinary feat for women’s basketball. This surge in popularity has led to a growing recognition that Caitlyn has done for women’s basketball what Michael Jordan did for the NBA in his prime.

Many have questioned why Caitlyn Clark has received such widespread recognition when other athletes like Simone Biles, who competed on the global stage, might have seemed like more obvious candidates for these awards. But, as Rachel points out, the success of Caitlyn Clark isn’t only about her basketball skills—it’s also about the cultural shift she has helped catalyze. Caitlyn has managed to break through the boundaries of her sport, captivating not just basketball fans but casual viewers around the world, making her an international icon.

In addition to the AP Female Athlete of the Year, Caitlyn Clark was also named the 2024 Sports Business Journal’s Best Sports Business Athlete. This recognition further cements her status as a game-changer. The WNBA is already looking at ways to capitalize on her global appeal, with talks about scheduling overseas games, including one with the Indiana Fever, her WNBA team. Clark’s popularity isn’t limited to the U.S.; she’s building a massive fanbase worldwide, a key factor that will help take the WNBA to new heights.

Another notable aspect of Caitlyn’s career is her decision to attend Iowa, a school that was not a traditional powerhouse in basketball. By choosing Iowa, Caitlyn built a fanbase organically and grew the program with her incredible talent and work ethic. If she had attended a larger school like UConn or South Carolina, Rachel believes the moment we’re witnessing in women’s basketball today might not have happened.

Caitlyn’s success has been a perfect storm of talent, timing, and determination. She has not only excelled on the court but has also had a transformative effect on the entire sport. From Iowa to the WNBA, she has raised the visibility of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels. Her influence on the WNBA is undeniable, with other NBA franchises like the Indiana Pacers looking to replicate the Fever’s success by drawing inspiration from Caitlyn’s massive following.

As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that Caitlyn Clark has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball, and her journey is only just beginning. Her incredible year has shown that it’s not just about playing great basketball—it’s about inspiring the next generation of athletes and changing the way we think about women’s sports. Caitlyn Clark is not only a remarkable athlete; she’s a force for change, and 2024 has truly been her year.