In a surprising and highly controversial statement, Mariah Rose, daughter of a former NBA star, has ignited a new debate in the world of women’s basketball. In a snippet shared on Instagram via the ‘Hoopsforhotties’ podcast, Rose made bold claims about the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, shaking up the narrative around the two basketball stars. According to Rose, while Clark is often hailed as an all-time great in women’s basketball, her legacy has been built largely on the back of Reese’s villainous persona—and the fact that Clark never won a championship.
These strong opinions are stirring the pot on social media, dividing fans and sparking heated discussions about the true legacy of Clark and Reese. As the 2025 WNBA season looms, the spotlight is once again on the tension between the two players, particularly as the WNBA gears up for its first-ever ‘Rivals Week.’
Mariah Rose’s Explosive Comments on Caitlin Clark’s Legacy
In the viral clip, Mariah Rose made it clear that she does not view Caitlin Clark as one of the “all-time greats” in women’s basketball, despite Clark’s remarkable college career. Rose, who is well-connected in the basketball world, stated: “Caitlin Clark is a WNBA player. So let’s stop inserting her into college conversations. Caitlin Clark is an all-time figure in women’s basketball, she is not an all-time women’s basketball great.”
Her comments immediately caused a stir, challenging the widespread admiration for Clark’s college achievements. Rose went on to explain that much of Clark’s allure as a player was tied to the rivalry with Angel Reese, which she claims contributed heavily to Clark’s popularity.
“Part of what made Caitlin so alluring is the fact that she had a villain, and that villain was Angel, and that rivalry blew completely up. Caitlin never won a championship,” Rose said, implying that Clark’s legacy was, in part, inflated by her rivalry with Reese, who was seen by many as the antagonist.
Angel Reese’s Role in Shaping the Rivalry
For those following the NCAA women’s basketball scene, the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has been nothing short of electrifying. The two stars first collided in the 2023 NCAA Championship, where Reese’s LSU Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in a nail-biting game that became one of the most talked-about matchups in recent memory.
Reese’s performance in that game, capped by her iconic taunts towards Clark, set the stage for what has now become one of the most heated rivalries in women’s basketball history. Despite this, Rose argues that it’s not just the rivalry that made Clark’s career so appealing, but rather the media’s focus on it. “Without Angel, Caitlin wouldn’t have had the same spark. That rivalry took women’s basketball to the next level,” she stated, underscoring Reese’s pivotal role in the league’s growing popularity.
While Rose may have downplayed Clark’s accomplishments, it’s hard to ignore the undeniable influence Clark has had on the sport. Clark led her team to back-to-back NCAA Finals, bringing attention to women’s basketball like never before. In fact, her performances have broken viewership records, with millions tuning in to watch her every move on the court.
The Rivalry That Transcends College Basketball
As the dust continues to settle from their historic 2023 showdown, the rivalry between Clark and Reese is far from over. With both players now transitioning into the WNBA, fans are eagerly awaiting how the competition between the two will evolve in the professional league. And the WNBA has already taken steps to capitalize on this electrifying rivalry.
In an unprecedented move, the WNBA has announced its first-ever ‘Rivals Week’ for the 2025 season, bringing together the league’s fiercest matchups, including the showdown between Clark’s team and Reese’s. The announcement, made by the WNBA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, promises to deliver non-stop excitement for basketball fans.
“Rivalries have always been prevalent in the W, but this season, we’re bringing you an ENTIRE week in August dedicated to the fiercest and most competitive MUST-see matchups,” the WNBA wrote, teasing the much-anticipated games that will feature Clark and Reese front and center. The league’s bold move to dedicate an entire week to rivalries highlights just how much this matchup means for the future of women’s professional basketball.
Clark vs. Reese: A New Chapter in the WNBA
The transition from college to the WNBA is always a pivotal moment in a player’s career, and for Clark and Reese, it comes with high expectations. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, the rivalry between the two players will undoubtedly be one of the defining storylines of the league for years to come.
But as Mariah Rose pointed out, it’s not just about their on-court rivalry—it’s about the larger cultural impact they have on the sport. The Clark-Reese rivalry has already transcended basketball, becoming a cultural moment in and of itself. From memes to social media posts, their interactions have sparked endless debate, and this new chapter in the WNBA promises to bring even more drama and intrigue.
The Future of Women’s Basketball: What’s Next?
As fans continue to debate Rose’s comments about Clark and Reese, one thing is certain: women’s basketball is reaching new heights of attention and competition. With Clark and Reese at the forefront, the WNBA is poised for its most exciting season yet. But beyond the rivalry, there’s a larger conversation taking place about the representation and impact of female athletes in sports, with Clark and Reese emerging as role models for a new generation of players.
While the debate surrounding their college legacies will likely continue, the future of women’s basketball has never been brighter. Whether you’re on Team Clark or Team Reese, the upcoming WNBA season promises to deliver the intense, high-stakes drama fans crave—and this is just the beginning.
