Last year's national championship game made Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese the biggest stars in women's collegiate basketball.
LSU ended a dramatic season by defeating Iowa 102-85. Naismith Women's College Player of the Year Clark missed a title after a remarkable season.
After the Tigers won, Reese told Clark, “You can't see me,” and pointed to her ring finger. Though both tried to downplay it, it became a massive story. Clark and Reese have gained notice for the next collegiate basketball season. Their fates have been very different.
Reese is in an interesting circumstance at LSU under new head coach Kim Mulkey. She posted an Instagram photo of an LSU basketball court on Saturday night after staying home for Friday's game versus Southeastern Louisiana.
In response to speculations that she was suspended over her GPA, Reese tweeted on her X account on Sunday: "Don't believe everything you read."
"You want me to explain why [she wasn't here]?" Mulkey stated Friday night. Angel was clearly not in uniform. This basketball squad has Angel, so we expect to see her soon. I'm done answering. End of story. All you need to know."
While the situation is uncertain, Reese has had a rough start to the season. Mulkey labeled her benched in the second half of their 109-79 win against Kent State earlier in the week a “coaches decision”.
Caitlin Clark has continued her impressive form for Iowa this season and put on another performance as Reese makes headlines off the court. She set the D1 women's basketball record for 30-point games in her recent game.
Clark led Iowa to a 113-90 triumph over Drake on Sunday. With 35 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, she finished. She hit many long-range three-pointers to demonstrate why she's the nation's top player.
Again, she has had different luck than Reese this season. The two played down any suggestion of a rivalry entering the new season and have great respect for each other.