In the ever-evolving world of womenâs basketball, few debates have captured the publicâs imagination quite like the one surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Both players have electrified the NCAA, broken records, and brought unprecedented attention to the womenâs game. Now, as they embark on their professional careers in the WNBA, sports commentator Jemele Hill has weighed in with a bold prediction: Angel Reese, she claims, will be remembered as the Michael Jordan of the WNBA, while Caitlin Clark will follow a path more akin to Steve Nashâa Hall of Famer and multiple-time MVP, but not the defining icon.


Hillâs remarks, made during a recent podcast appearance, have sparked conversation and controversy in equal measure. But what lies behind this comparison, and what does it say about the future of womenâs basketball?
-A Tale of Two Superstars
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have taken different roads to basketball stardom, but both have left indelible marks on the game. Reese, known for her tenacity, rebounding prowess, and defensive intensity, led LSU to a national championship and has become a symbol of toughness and resilience. Her on-court persona is fiery and unapologetic, drawing both admiration and criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Clark, on the other hand, is a scoring sensation whose deep shooting range and playmaking ability have shattered records and made her a household name. Leading Iowa to new heights, Clarkâs offensive arsenal and court vision have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest guards in basketball history.
Jemele Hillâs comparison is not meant to diminish either player, but rather to highlight the different ways greatness can manifest. âAngel Reese has that aura, that presenceâsheâs a force of nature,â Hill explained. âSheâs relentless, she elevates her teammates, and sheâs not afraid of the spotlight. Thatâs what Michael Jordan did for the NBA.â
Clark, Hill argues, will have an extraordinary career in her own right. âCaitlin is a magician with the ball. Sheâll win MVPs, sheâll be a Hall of Famer, but her style and impact are different. Sheâs more like Steve Nashâbrilliant, respected, but not the face of the league in the same way.â
-The Michael Jordan Effect
To be compared to Michael Jordan is the highest praise in the world of basketball. Jordanâs legacy is not just about championships and MVPs, but about transforming the NBA into a global phenomenon. He was a cultural icon, a relentless competitor, and a player whose will to win became legendary.
Hill sees similar qualities in Reese. âAngel isnât just playing for herselfâsheâs changing the way people see womenâs basketball. Sheâs outspoken, sheâs marketable, and she brings a whole new generation of fans to the game. Her impact will go beyond the stat sheet.â
Indeed, Reeseâs influence is already being felt. Her social media presence rivals that of many NBA stars, and her endorsement deals have set new records for womenâs athletes. She has become a role model for young players, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, showing that confidence and authenticity can be assets, not liabilities.
On the court, Reeseâs game is built on fundamentals: rebounding, defense, and finishing around the rim. But itâs her leadership and energy that set her apart. Coaches and teammates describe her as the heartbeat of every team she plays forâa player who raises the level of everyone around her.
-The Steve Nash Trajectory
Caitlin Clarkâs projected legacy, according to Hill, is no less impressive, though it takes a different shape. Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, was one of the most creative and unselfish point guards in basketball history. He orchestrated offenses, made his teammates better, and played with a joy and flair that endeared him to fans.
Clarkâs ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, combined with her passing vision, makes her a nightmare for defenses. âWhat Caitlin does with the basketball is special,â Hill noted. âShe makes the impossible look easy. Sheâll have her MVP moments, and sheâll be remembered as one of the best to ever do it.â
But Hill suggests that Clarkâs legacy will be more about individual brilliance than cultural transformation. âNash was beloved, he changed the game in his own way, but he wasnât the singular face of the NBA. Thatâs how I see Caitlinâan all-time great, but in a league thatâs going to have multiple stars sharing the spotlight.â
-Impact Beyond the Court
The debate over Reese and Clark is about more than just basketballâitâs about the future of womenâs sports. Both players have helped shatter attendance and viewership records, and their rivalry has brought new fans to the WNBA. Their contrasting styles and personalities have given the league compelling storylines and a sense of drama often reserved for the menâs game.
Hillâs prediction also speaks to the power of representation. Reeseâs rise as a Black woman from Baltimore who has embraced her identity and platform is inspiring a new generation of players. Clarkâs success as a sharpshooter from Iowa shows that talent can come from anywhere, and her humility and work ethic resonate with fans across the country.
Both players are entering the WNBA at a time of unprecedented growth. With increased media coverage, higher salaries, and more investment in womenâs sports, the stage is set for both Reese and Clark to leave their mark.
-A Rivalry for the Ages
As the WNBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Reese and Clark. Will Reese become the leagueâs defining superstar, the player who transcends the sport and becomes a cultural icon? Will Clark rewrite the record books and set new standards for excellence at the guard position? Or will both players, in their own unique ways, redefine what it means to be great?
Jemele Hillâs comparison may prove prescient, or it may simply be the starting point for a new era of debate and discussion. What is certain is that womenâs basketball has never been more exciting, and the stories of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are only just beginning.
-Conclusion
In the end, greatness takes many forms. Whether Angel Reese becomes the Michael Jordan of the WNBA or Caitlin Clark follows a path like Steve Nash, both are poised to inspire, entertain, and elevate the game for years to come. As Hill put it, âWeâre lucky to witness their journeys. No matter how you compare them, theyâre both changing the game.â