Sports commentator Jason Whitlock is no stranger to sharing bold and often polarizing opinions, and his latest remarks are no exception. This time, he’s weighing in on the growing fame of WNBA rookie Angel Reese—and attributing much of it to none other than Caitlin Clark.
In a recent segment, Whitlock didn’t hold back when discussing the surge in visibility and popularity surrounding Reese. According to him, the former LSU standout owes a significant portion of her current fame to the meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark. Going even further, Whitlock controversially suggested that without Clark, “nobody would even know Angel Reese’s name.”
His comments immediately sparked a wave of reactions across social media and sports circles. Supporters of Angel Reese were quick to push back, pointing to her dominant performances during LSU’s championship run, her strong brand presence, and her vocal leadership as key reasons for her own success. After all, Reese has carved out a name for herself through gritty play, charisma, and unfiltered confidence—traits that have endeared her to many fans.
However, Whitlock’s take also opens up a broader conversation about how media narratives and rivalries shape fame in women’s sports. There’s no denying that the rivalry between Reese and Clark, which reached new heights during the NCAA Women’s Tournament, helped shine a national spotlight on both athletes. Their contrasting styles, competitive fire, and on-court drama became the storyline that drew millions of viewers—many watching women’s college basketball for the first time.
Still, to suggest that Reese’s recognition hinges entirely on Clark dismisses the talent, hard work, and individual achievements that brought her to the WNBA spotlight in the first place.
While Whitlock’s statement may be seen by some as diminishing Reese’s accomplishments, others argue that he’s simply highlighting the undeniable media impact Clark has had on the sport as a whole. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is certain: the conversation around Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark is far from over.
As both stars continue their rookie seasons, all eyes will remain on how their rivalry—and their individual legacies—continue to evolve. If anything, debates like this prove that women’s basketball has officially entered the mainstream, and the players at the center of it are commanding attention like never before.