In a stunning and highly polarizing statement that has set the basketball world ablaze, the daughter of a former NBA star has publicly downplayed Caitlin Clark’s legendary status in college basketball, instead crediting LSU’s Angel Reese for propelling Clark into the national spotlight. The controversial take, delivered during a recent podcast appearance, has reignited the passionate debate surrounding Clark’s legacy, media bias, and the dynamic between two of the most iconic players in recent women’s basketball history.
The source of the firestorm is none other than Jada Johnson, the outspoken daughter of former NBA All-Star Larry Johnson. Known for her blunt opinions and social media savvy, Jada made the explosive claim that Caitlin Clark owes much of her fame not to her own record-breaking performances, but to the rivalry and media narrative that emerged following her clash with Angel Reese during the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
“Let’s be real,” Jada said. “Caitlin Clark was cold, yeah. But she didn’t truly go mainstream until Angel Reese waved her hand in her face. That’s when the country really started paying attention. Before that, she was just another white girl dropping buckets at Iowa. It took Angel to turn her into a household name.”
The reaction was swift and fierce. Social media platforms exploded with commentary from both sides of the aisle. Some users applauded Jada for what they saw as a much-needed injection of honesty into a conversation often dominated by glowing praise for Clark. Others accused her of undermining one of the most decorated players in NCAA history for the sake of clout and controversy.
Clark, who played her collegiate career at the University of Iowa, became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer in men’s or women’s basketball, broke countless records, and redefined the role of a point guard with her Steph Curry-esque shooting range, elite court vision, and generational basketball IQ. She packed arenas, led Iowa to back-to-back Final Fours, and was widely credited with helping elevate women’s college basketball into mainstream sports conversations. Yet Jada insists that Clark’s media rise wasn’t purely due to her accomplishments.
“She was good, no doubt. But there have been other great players who didn’t get that kind of shine,” Jada said. “You have to ask yourself why. And when Angel came along, with her unapologetic attitude and that LSU swag, it created a moment. That moment went viral. That’s when Caitlin became the face of women’s basketball.”
Indeed, the 2023 national championship game between Iowa and LSU was a cultural flashpoint. Not only was it the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history at the time, but it also sparked heated debates about race, sportsmanship, and double standards in media portrayal. Reese’s now-infamous “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark—a mimic of Clark’s own taunt earlier in the tournament—was dissected endlessly on TV panels and Twitter threads. While Clark remained stoic in the aftermath, refusing to criticize Reese, the moment turned both players into household names.
For many fans, that incident represented a new era of visibility for women’s basketball—one that included trash talk, rivalries, and unfiltered authenticity. And in that moment, Angel Reese, a Black woman from Baltimore with undeniable swagger, was pitted against Caitlin Clark, a white player from Iowa seen as the golden girl of college hoops. The conversation quickly transcended basketball, touching on race, class, and who gets celebrated in American sports culture.
Jada Johnson’s comments hit squarely at the heart of that tension.
“There’s a reason Caitlin got all the sponsorships and all the SportsCenter love. It wasn’t just talent,” Jada said. “People see what they want to see. Meanwhile, Angel was catching heat for doing the same thing Caitlin did. But that drama? That back-and-forth? That’s what made people care.”
While some viewed Jada’s comments as divisive, others argue she’s simply speaking a truth that many were too uncomfortable to say aloud. There’s no denying that Clark benefited from an unprecedented media machine, one that elevated her highlights nightly and turned every record into headline news. But critics argue that equally dominant players like A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, or even Maya Moore didn’t receive nearly the same mainstream attention during their college years.
Still, supporters of Clark point to the numbers—and the sheer scale of her accomplishments. Over 3,900 career points. Two national title game appearances. A massive spike in attendance at every venue she played. Sold-out arenas. Television ratings that outdrew major men’s sporting events. And a WNBA debut that broke viewership records. Those achievements, they argue, are the mark of a true legend.
“This idea that she only got big because of Angel Reese is wild,” said former WNBA player and ESPN analyst Monica Wright. “Angel is a star, no question. But Caitlin was doing things we’ve never seen. She was already breaking records before that championship game. That matchup just gave us a rivalry. But Caitlin was the engine behind the interest.”
Clark herself has never shied away from giving her opponents credit. Throughout her career, she praised Reese, South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston, and UConn’s Paige Bueckers, often noting that the competition is what made the sport special. During postgame interviews, Clark was gracious in both victory and defeat, emphasizing team over individual praise and never engaging in war-of-words spats.
Yet the narrative surrounding her meteoric rise continues to be a topic of hot debate.
Angel Reese, now with the Chicago Sky, has also acknowledged the role the rivalry played in elevating the game, though she’s been careful not to diminish Clark’s accomplishments. In recent interviews, she’s spoken about how their on-court battles pushed both athletes to new heights and inspired a generation of young girls—particularly girls of color—to believe they too could command the spotlight.
“You need that fire,” Reese said during an ESPN interview. “You need that other person that makes you want to go harder. I respect Caitlin. We helped each other grow. That’s what great rivalries do.”
Still, the way the public received each player continues to fuel uncomfortable but necessary conversations. Reese was heavily criticized for her antics in 2023, while Clark was often praised for hers. That discrepancy, many believe, reflects broader societal issues around race, femininity, and who is allowed to be unapologetic in the public eye.
Jada Johnson’s comments, then, are about more than just basketball. They’re about what it takes to become a “legend” in America—and who gets to write that legacy.
“Let’s be honest,” Jada concluded. “Caitlin can play, but she ain’t the GOAT just because ESPN says so. The real ones know it took Black women like Angel Reese to force the world to finally pay attention. That’s facts. Period.”
Whether one agrees with Jada or not, there’s no denying the impact of both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the sport of basketball. Together, they helped usher in a new era—one defined by competitiveness, charisma, and cultural relevance. Their rivalry—real or media-made—fueled headlines, packed stadiums, and broke barriers.
And while the debate over who made who might never be settled, what’s clear is this: women’s basketball has never been hotter, and the legacy of this generation’s stars—Clark, Reese, and beyond—will be felt for decades to come. The conversation may be messy, and at times uncomfortable, but it’s also necessary. Because in that discourse lies the power to reshape the future of sports.
Love her or hate her, Caitlin Clark has left her mark. But thanks to voices like Jada Johnson’s, the conversation around her legacy—and how we define greatness—will continue to evolve. And maybe that’s the most legendary thing of all.
