The conversation around women’s basketball has been heating up, and veteran sports commentator Dan Patrick just added fuel to the fire by dismantling Angel Reese’s claim that she’s responsible for the WNBA’s surge in popularity. Patrick, known for his no-nonsense approach, didn’t hold back in exposing the reality of Reese’s role in the league’s rising attention.
Angel Reese’s Bold Claims
Angel Reese, a standout college basketball player and now a WNBA rookie, has made some audacious statements about her influence on women’s basketball. She claimed that the reason for the sport’s growing attention isn’t solely because of Caitlin Clark but includes her as well.
In a media session last year, Reese confidently stated:
“The reason why we’re watching women’s basketball is not just because of one person, it’s because of me too.”
That statement alone set the internet ablaze, with debates raging about whether Reese’s contributions are anywhere near Clark’s impact on the sport.
Dan Patrick Shuts Down the Narrative
Dan Patrick wasted no time breaking down why Reese’s claim is disconnected from reality. He pointed out that WNBA ticket prices, sold-out arenas, and social media engagement skyrocketed only after Clark’s arrival.
“If Angel Reese was going into the WNBA and Caitlin Clark wasn’t there, no one would care. She’d be like, ‘Oh okay, that woman’s really good on the offensive boards.’”
Patrick emphasized that Clark is the primary reason the WNBA is experiencing an unprecedented surge in attention. He even compared her impact to legends like Tiger Woods and Lionel Messi—athletes who single-handedly transformed their respective sports.
Reese’s Focus: Basketball or Beef?
One of Patrick’s most brutal critiques was about Reese’s focus. He reminded everyone that after winning the national championship, Reese’s first move wasn’t celebrating with her teammates but mocking Caitlin Clark.
“Her notoriety is based on Caitlin Clark because when she won the national title, the first thing she did was mock Caitlin Clark instead of celebrating.”
Patrick suggested that Reese has built a brand by positioning herself as Clark’s antagonist. This strategy might have gained her social media fame and endorsements, but it doesn’t mean she’s on the same level of impact as Clark.
Reese’s Game Lacks the ‘It’ Factor
Patrick also tackled a harsh truth: Reese is a good player, but her playing style isn’t what attracts casual viewers. Unlike Clark, whose deep three-pointers and flashy play draw comparisons to Stephen Curry, Reese’s skill set isn’t as exciting.
“There’s nothing about her game that’s really interesting to casual viewers.”
Reese Needs Clark—Clark Doesn’t Need Reese
Perhaps Patrick’s most devastating statement was his final verdict:
“Angel Reese needs Caitlin Clark. Caitlin Clark does not need Angel Reese.”
This simple but powerful statement underlined the reality of their dynamic. While Reese benefits from the attention that comes from being Clark’s rival, Clark’s star power stands on its own. Whether or not Reese is in the picture, people will still watch Clark play.
The Bigger Picture
While Patrick’s analysis was blunt, it exposed a hard truth about Reese’s claims. Women’s basketball is booming, but the driving force behind its meteoric rise is Caitlin Clark—not Angel Reese. While Reese has undoubtedly made a name for herself, her influence pales in comparison to Clark’s transformative effect on the sport.