Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will be teammates for the WNBA All-Star Game; however, Clark is adamant that it not be a “focal point”

Clark and Reese will be playing for the same team for the first time at the WNBA All-Star Game.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will be competing for the same team following their selection to their inaugural WNBA All-Star Game on Tuesday evening.

The 12-player roster, which was announced on July 3, was headlined by Clark and Reese, both 22. The roster also includes Nneka Ogwumike, DeWanna Bonner, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, among others.

The All-Stars will compete against their fellow WNBA players who were selected to the U.S. Women’s National Team on July 20 in Phoenix, prior to the commencement of the 2024 Summer Olympics the following week.

Clark and Reese will be playing on the same team for the first time in the WNBA All-Star Game, a rivalry that has been in existence since their undergraduate days, when they were opponents at the University of Iowa and Louisiana State University, respectively. Reese and LSU emerged victorious in the 2023 NCAA Championship Game, while Clark and Iowa emerged victorious in the 2024 Elite Eight.

The Indiana Fever selected Clark as the first overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, while the Chicago Sky selected Reese as the seventh overall pick.

“I am uncertain as to whether I have ever been her teammate, even during my time at USA Basketball.” According to ESPN, Clark stated, “I am aware that there will be a lot of excitement surrounding it, but I hope that it does not detract from the experience of anyone else.” “This is a great achievement for the entire Team USA and Team WNBA.” They are all deserving of the same level of recognition. I do not wish for it to overshadow any of the aforementioned and become the centerpiece of the All-Star weekend, as it would be unjust to them.

On Tuesday night, Reese was reportedly overcome with emotion upon learning that she had been selected to the All-Star roster.

“I am exceedingly pleased.” Reese stated, “I am aware of the effort I have invested,” as reported by ESPN. “Coming into this league, so many people doubted me and didn’t think my game would translate and I wouldn’t be the player that I was in college or better or would be worse and wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Reese continued, “However, I had faith in the process and was grateful that I was able to come to Chicago after dropping to [pick No. 7].” And it is simply a privilege. I am indebted to my mentors and teammates for their unwavering confidence and support. I am aware that each of them will travel to Phoenix to support me. Therefore, I am exceedingly pleased at the moment.

The on-court rivalry between the two WNBA champions was initially observed by fans in 2023, when Reese’s LSU team defeated Iowa to secure its inaugural NCAA title. Reese pointed to her ring finger as the game concluded, a double allusion to her team’s championship victory and a gesture Clark made earlier in the tournament, in which she waved her hand in front of her face in the manner of WWE star John Cena.

Their rivalry has persisted in the WNBA, as both players have achieved early success with Indiana and Chicago, respectively. During a mid-June matchup, Reese was called for a flagrant penalty after connecting with Clark’s head during a drive to the basket, which sparked headlines around the sports world. His team has already played close and intense games against Clark’s team.

Clark and Reese’s rivalry has already been likened to the most storied rivalry in basketball, which dates back to their days in the NCAA. This rivalry began with the Los Angeles Lakers’ Magic Johnson and the Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird. Clark and Reese are only midway through their rookie seasons. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) last month, Johnson himself stated, “When I consider the influence of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the game, they remind me a lot of Larry Bird and me.”

Although their rivalry has been fiercely contested on the court, Clark and Reese have explicitly stated that their rivalry is limited to the court.

Reese informed reporters earlier this year that “I don’t think people realize it’s not personal” in anticipation of their NCAA Tournament rematch. “Once we pass through those lines… if I see you walking down the street, it’s like, ‘Hey, girl, what’s up?'” I suggest we spend some time together. I believe that individuals interpret it as if we harbor animosity toward one another. Caitlin Clark and I are not antagonistic toward one another. I desire for all individuals to comprehend this. It is a game that is exceedingly competitive.”

The WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled to air on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET on July 20.