WNBA Preseason Games Draw Attention to Star Players’ Homecomings
Kate Rinklerk and Angel Reese each returned to their former college arenas for some WNBA preseason games, but one particular matchup caught more attention than the rest.
Reese’s return to LSU happened on Friday. However, the Tigers’ arena was mostly empty. In contrast, Clark’s game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena sold out almost instantly.
Before Clark’s much-anticipated match, Reese’s mother, Angel Webb Reese, shared a post online addressing those who were comparing the attendance at the two games.
“Some fans are celebrating while others are looking up at the rafters, admiring the championship banner,” Webb Reese remarked. “We’re not the same. We’re having a great day despite the negativity from the same year.”
Her comments refer to a back-and-forth rivalry, especially highlighted when Reese’s team triumphed over Clark’s during the 2023 National Championship Game, with LSU overwhelmingly winning 102-85.
Clark has generally kept her comments to a minimum, with both players claiming that their rivalry is rooted in healthy competition.
While Webb Reese’s remarks were aimed at the fans stirring up discussions about game attendance, the buzz surrounding Clark certainly suggests there’s some lingering bitterness at LSU, especially given their championship win just two years ago.
The Indiana Fever’s game against the Brazilian national team took place in front of Clark’s alma mater, culminating in a resounding 108-44 victory for the Fever, where Clark scored 16 points.
There was quite a bit of excitement surrounding the matchup, including remarks from a Brazilian player and the coach. “Thank you for coming here and playing us,” Clark expressed gratefully.
In a similar exhibition, Reese faced off against the Brazilian national team with the Chicago Sky, leading to an 89-62 win. She contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds in front of the LSU crowd, reflecting on her time there. “I know how much I’ve contributed to this program, so I’m thrilled to be back and see all the fans,” she said.
