Shaquille O’Neal, a fan of women’s basketball, shared his ideas on how to generate more interest in the WNBA with Chicago Sky rookie star Angel Reese during an interview on her podcast “Unapologetically Angel.” O’Neal suggested that Reese and other players could sell more merchandise by wearing outfits like the one she wore on “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘n Out.” Reese was taken aback by O’Neal’s comments and shot down the idea, insisting that she was not interested. O’Neal also suggested lowering the basket in the WNBA to allow for more dunks, believing that this would increase viewership. However, Reese disagreed, stating that it would not make much of a difference and expressing frustration with the lack of respect women’s basketball receives compared to men’s basketball.
Reese’s appearance on “Wild ‘n Out” drew mixed reactions from fans, with hip-hop artist Joe Budden criticizing her for making off-court controversies and not remaining low-profile like fellow rookie star Caitlin Clark. Budden highlighted the differences in their off-court behavior and the impact it has on their public image. Reese’s willingness to express herself even when facing public backlash dates back to her performance in the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game, where she mocked Clark after winning the title. This rivalry between Reese and Clark has stirred heated debates and drawn more attention to women’s basketball at the college and pro levels. Reese has continued to be outspoken, launching her own podcast during her rookie season, even after it ended early due to a wrist injury in September.
Reese’s podcast has generated controversy, including her accusations of death threats and explicit AI images from fans of rival player Caitlin Clark. In a recent episode, she interviewed the ex-girlfriend of NFL player Travis Kelce, drawing criticism from fans of Kelce’s current girlfriend, Taylor Swift. Despite the backlash, Reese’s bold personality has garnered attention and fans for women’s basketball. Comparatively, Clark is credited with sparking the recent surge in popularity for women’s basketball, but the Reese-Clark rivalry has added another layer of intrigue for fans. Reese’s large following on social media, surpassing Clark’s on platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok, may be attributed to her outspoken nature and willingness to express herself off the court.
The Reese-Clark rivalry has captivated fans and brought increased visibility to women’s basketball, with Reese’s bold personality and social media presence contributing to her popularity. While Clark is recognized for igniting interest in women’s basketball, Reese’s outspokenness and willingness to address controversial topics on her podcast have made her a standout figure in the sport. Despite facing criticism and backlash for her off-court behavior and podcast content, Reese’s impact on the game cannot be denied. The ongoing rivalry between Reese and Clark continues to drive interest and engagement in women’s basketball, showcasing the diversity of personalities within the sport and attracting a broader audience.
