The Reese-Clark rivalry has been one of the most talked-about narratives in women’s basketball, dating back to their heated 2023 NCAA championship clash. While Clark has been widely praised for her offensive skills and record-breaking performances, Reese has built her reputation on hustle, rebounding, and defensive intensity.

After ESPN released its rankings, Reese wasted no time in calling out what she perceives as a lack of respect.

“I don’t need anyone to validate what I do on the court. I know I’m one of the best, and my game speaks for itself,” Reese said in a social media post.

ESPN ranked Clark as the second-best rookie, pointing to her elite scoring, deep three-point shooting, and playmaking ability. The Indiana Fever guard has consistently put up impressive numbers, averaging around 17 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. Her ability to stretch the floor and lead the offense has made her one of the most talked-about young stars in the league.

However, Reese and her supporters argue that the rankings overly favor offensive stats while undervaluing rebounding, defense, and toughness—areas where she excels. Reese is among the league’s top rebounders, averaging a double-double, and has been a key factor in Chicago’s interior defense.

ESPN Under Fire Over Angel Reese Ranking.

Fans were not happy with ESPN’s latest WNBA rankings, particularly with regard to Angel Reese’s position on the list.

On Tuesday, ESPN took to social media to drop its WNBA Fantasy Rankings for the 2025 season. According to the network, the rankings are based on its “default women’s basketball settings which award one point for each point, assist and rebound, a bonus point for making a 3-pointer, and two points each for blocks and steals.”

Reese, interestingly, landed at the No. 12 spot. This came after a season that saw her average 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. The Chicago Sky star led the league in rebounds per game, although she finished second in total boards with 446.

While the rankings were based on the players’ statistical productions, many couldn’t help but complain about how high Angel Reese is on the list. For what it’s worth, she’s ranked higher than fellow WNBA All-Stars Allisha Gray, Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, Nneka Ogwumike and Chelsea Gray, among many others.

“Bro I’m better than Angel Reese,” a commenter wrote. Another one said, “Reese too high lol.”

A critic added, “Angel Reese being 12th ranked is disrespectful to literally every woman in the WNBA. She’s easily top 300 but not 12th.”

“If angel reese is #12 how bad are the people behind her,” a social media user added.

A follower added, “Angel Reese is closer to 1200 than 12.”

“There is not a single world where angel Reese is better than Satou,” a sixth critic wrote, referring to Satou Sabally who was No. 14 on the list.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and guard Chennedy Carter (7).

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Despite the criticisms, though, Angel Reese’s numbers don’t lie. While the Sky failed to make the playoffs despite her sensational rookie year, there’s no denying that her big year allowed her to be placed in the Top 15 of ESPN’s WNBA fantasy rankings.