From college rivals to WNBA stars
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been linked since their college days, when their on-court battles became some of the most talked-about moments in women’s basketball. Since entering the WNBA in the same draft class, their careers have taken different turns, creating new milestones and memorable moments along the way.
Now, with both players adding another chapter to their basketball journeys, their shared history continues to draw attention. Here’s a closer look at how their paths have developed from college rivals to two of the league’s most recognizable young stars.
Clark built a record-setting college career
Clark finished her Iowa career as the NCAA Division I all-time leader in scoring with 3,951 points and three-pointers with 548 made. She also led Division I in scoring and assists during the 2023-24 season.
Her college résumé included two Naismith College Player of the Year awards and three unanimous first-team All-American selections. Iowa reached the national championship game during each of her final two seasons.
Reese helped LSU win its first championship
Reese became a central player during LSU’s 2023 national championship run, when the Tigers defeated Iowa 102-85 in the title game. She finished that game with 15 points and 10 rebounds and received the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.
Reese also recorded 34 double-doubles during the 2022-23 season, an NCAA single-season record at the time. Her college career included national recognition at both LSU and Maryland.
Their college meetings shaped the storyline
Clark and Reese met twice during the NCAA Tournament, with LSU winning the 2023 championship game and Iowa winning the 2024 Final Four meeting. Those games established a highly visible connection between the two players before they entered the WNBA.
They were then selected in the same 2024 WNBA Draft. Clark went first overall to Indiana, while Reese went seventh overall to Chicago.
Clark made an immediate WNBA impact
Clark won the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds during her rookie season. She led the league in assists and became the first rookie to record a triple-double.
The Fever guard set rookie records for total assists, three-pointers and triple-doubles. She was also selected to the All-WNBA First Team, becoming the first rookie to receive that honor since 2008.
Reese established herself around the glass
Reese produced a record-setting rookie season with Chicago, averaging 13.1 rebounds per game and recording 15 consecutive double-doubles. She continued that production in 2025, leading the WNBA with 12.6 rebounds per game.
She earned All-Star selections in both 2024 and 2025 before joining Atlanta in 2026. Through her first two WNBA seasons, Reese became known statistically for consistent rebounding and double-double production.
Reese joined Atlanta for her third WNBA season
Reese began her third WNBA season with the Atlanta Dream after Chicago traded her in April 2026. Atlanta acquired her in exchange for two first-round picks, while Chicago also received a 2028 second-round pick swap.
Clark remained with Indiana throughout the 2026 season. The Fever entered the year with Clark returning after missing most of 2025 because of an injury that limited her to 13 games.
Interesting fact: Clark and Reese were part of a 2026 Team USA roster that helped draw record attention to the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
Clark reached another All-Star milestone
Clark was selected as a 2026 WNBA All-Star starter, making it her third consecutive All-Star selection. At the time of the announcement, she was averaging 21.2 points and 8.2 assists per game.
Her 2026 season also included a statistical milestone involving multiple categories. Clark became the fastest player to reach 1,000 points, 250 rebounds and 250 assists, reaching those marks in 54 career games.
Interesting fact: Reese provided a different statistical profile for Team USA. She averaged 5.0 rebounds and 7.2 points per game, while shooting 59.1% from the field during the six-game tournament.
Reese set multiple WNBA records in Atlanta
Reese established several WNBA records during her first season with Atlanta, including the single-game rebounding record with 26 rebounds. She also surpassed A’ja Wilson’s previous single-season rebounding mark of 451.
Reese later recorded her 31st double-double of the season, extending her WNBA single-season record. She also became the first player in league history to collect 500 rebounds in a single season.
Both joined Team USA at the World Cup
Clark and Reese were selected for the United States roster at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. The tournament featured 16 teams after expanding from 12 teams for the previous edition.
The tournament marked a senior World Cup debut for both players. They joined a U.S. roster that also included Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers and other WNBA All-Stars.
Clark contributed as a primary passer
Clark finished the 2026 FIBA World Cup with 7.8 points and 5.3 assists per game. Her 32 total assists ranked sixth among players in the tournament, according to FIBA’s final statistics.
She recorded 11 assists against China in the opening game, setting a U.S. record for most assists in a World Cup game. Clark later scored 12 points in the championship game against France.
Reese provided rebounding for Team USA
Reese averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds during the 2026 FIBA World Cup. She collected nine rebounds against China in her World Cup debut and added six rebounds during the quarterfinal win over Hungary.
Her role included frontcourt minutes alongside several established American forwards and centers. Reese finished the tournament with 30 rebounds across six games for Team USA.
The internet is also talking about Sophie Cunningham saying boos give Fever road victories an extra edge.
Both finished with a world championship
Clark and Reese were members of the United States team that won the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Americans defeated France 97-79 in Berlin to claim their fifth consecutive World Cup championship.
In the final, Clark scored 12 points and added three assists, while Reese recorded three points and three rebounds. Their international season added another shared chapter to careers that began in the same draft class.
In other news, NBA expansion plans put Seattle closer to a potential SuperSonics return.
What do you think about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s journeys in women’s basketball? Like this slideshow and comment with your thoughts on their careers and shared history!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
