Angel Reese brings plenty to the table. The Maryland native, it seems, is slowly realizing her true potential in the 2023-24 edition of the NCAA tournament. Reese is back to being LSU’s top performer after returning from her brief suspension. Many, however, often look down on her numbers when they put them next to her co-Sporting News Athlete Of The Year – Caitlin Clark.
Reese scored 20 points and 18 rebounds along with 7 assists to steer LSU home against Texas A&M. Soon after, she expressed her thoughts on a different approach she seems to have adopted in her game this year.
Angel Reese is more than just numbers
After delivering a stellar performance yet again that included her 55th career double-double, Reese addressed the media alongside Mulkey. She reflected on her ability to be an efficient passer in the team and took pride in being able to contribute to the team in this manner. She said, “I’ve always been a good passer…I wanted something to go up in a different category this year.”
The All-American Forward is facing criticism for not matching the standards set by her ‘arch-nemesis’ Caitlin Clark this season. The senior guard of the Iowa Hawkeyes is seen head and shoulders above Reese, as she closes in on Kelsey Plum’s all-time scoring record.
Speculations and sentiments aside, what do the stats of these two influential players suggest?
Reese and Clark put head to head
Caitlin Clark is currently the best offensive player in the women’s division of college basketball. She ranks No.1 in the country, notching a phenomenal average of 31 points per game. In addition to this, she comes second when it comes to providing assists. She has grabbed a whopping 131 assists in her 17 games so far at an average of 7.7 per contest.
On the other hand, Reese is 25th in terms of scoring average with 19.8 points per game. Unlike Clark, she has a double-digit average in rebounds as she is tied at the 10th spot after jacking 11 rebounds per game. Further, she holds a slight advantage over her rival from the field as she is shooting at 52.1 compared to Clark’s 48.3.
The two have seen many days when various observers have drawn parallels in their capabilities. Nevertheless, both these athletes have proven that they have very contrasting skill sets that make them what they are. Also, the debate on who is the better usually tends to be perpetual.
