Jason Whitlock Torches Angel Reese: “Nobody Would Know Her Without Caitlin Clark”

Outspoken sports commentator Jason Whitlock has never been shy about ruffling feathers, and this week, he set the basketball world ablaze with a scorching take on WNBA star Angel Reese.

“Let’s just be real — if Caitlin Clark didn’t exist, no one would know who Angel Reese is,” Whitlock said on his latest podcast episode. “She built her fame off the back of someone else’s spotlight.”

Those words hit hard. And as expected, the internet went into full meltdown mode.

A Rivalry That Built a Brand — But Whose?

Whitlock was referring to the now-infamous rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese that began during the 2023 NCAA women’s championship — a fiery matchup that included Reese’s viral “you can’t see me” taunt directed at Clark.

Since then, Reese has become a household name. But Whitlock argues that without Clark, there’s no story, no headlines, and no marketing buzz.

“It’s not about skill. It’s not about dominance. It’s about controversy. That’s how Reese got here,” he claimed. “Clark was the talent. Reese was the reaction.”

Media vs. Merit

Whitlock blasted the media for elevating Reese into superstardom without holding her to the same performance standards as other rising stars like Clark.

“The media fell in love with the drama, not the game. Angel Reese became a symbol — not a superstar.”

He also called out what he sees as a double standard, claiming Clark earns her coverage with elite-level play, while Reese is “manufactured buzz.”

Social Media Explodes

Fans were immediately divided.

Some agreed with Whitlock, calling Reese “a creation of viral moments, not basketball greatness.”

Others fired back, defending Reese as “a champion in her own right” and accusing Whitlock of tearing down Black female athletes for clout.

The hashtags #AngelReese and #CaitlinClark trended within hours.

Will Angel Reese Respond?

Angel Reese is no stranger to social media drama — and she’s never been one to stay silent. But so far, there’s been no public response to Whitlock’s comments.

Still, fans are watching closely, waiting for either a fiery clapback or a subtle post that says it all without saying a word.

Final Take: A Legacy in Question

Whitlock’s critique may be harsh, but it raises an uncomfortable question: Would Angel Reese be the star she is today without the Caitlin Clark effect?

As Clark continues to rise through the ranks with record-breaking performances and widespread admiration, Reese finds herself battling public perception, on and off the court.

And for now, Whitlock’s message rings loud:

“In this league, you can’t ride someone else’s spotlight forever. Eventually, the lights turn off — and you’ve got to shine on your own.”