Shaquille O’Neal, who has long been a vocal fan of Angel Reese, admits he’s finally changed his view of just how great Caitlin Clark has been this season.
O’Neal often refers to Reese as “my girl” due to their both being LSU alumni. But he’s been super-impressed with how Clark has adjusted to the league and become a “great” player.
The four-time NBA champion made clear his feelings on the Indiana Fever rookie in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.
“(Clark) does everything right,” Shaq said. “I never spoke about her (before) because Angel (Reese) is my girl but I can truthfully say—Caitlin Clark is for real.”
“I’m watching her play and I’m trying to be upset but she makes the right pass, makes the right play,” the Diesel continued. “Girls try to beat her up and she doesn’t really complain. She’s a great one, even early on (in her career).”
What Changed Shaquille O’Neal’s Mind On Caitlin Clark?
Here’s the absolute kicker on this story. Would you like to know how Shaquille O’Neal developed a better understanding of just how good Caitlin Clark is?
When she went head-to-head with Reese late last month.
Clark trounced Chicago in her final matchup against Reese this season, leading the Fever to a 100-81 beatdown of the Sky. Caitlin scored 31 points with 12 assists and four rebounds. For her part, Reese scored 10 points while adding 11 rebounds.
But the game showed both players were and continue to be miles apart in their development.
“She’s the real deal,” Shaq said regarding Clark. “Much respect to her and her family and the way she grew up and the way she plays. All little girls should watch all the WNBA players play but those two (Clark and Reese) are my favorite.”
RELATED: Angel Reese’s Heartbreaking Announcement: Season-Ending Injury Cuts Rookie Year Short
Caitlin Clark’s Dominance Post-Olympic Break And The Drama With Angel
Caitlin Clark, since the Olympic break, has been running away with Rookie of the Year honors and Shaquille O’Neal surely noticed the Fever’s newfound winning ways since then.
Clark is a leader. A floor general. And that’s the advantage she has had in her first WNBA season over Reese.
Unfortunately, the rivalry was put on hold when Reese announced this past weekend that her season was over due to a wrist injury.
Reese recently claimed she was the victim of racism and stalking at the hands of Clark’s more rabid fans. Caitlin had nothing but good things to say about her rival after the injury announcement.
“Congratulations to her, I thought she had a tremendous year, and I thought she came to the league and really did what she’s done well her entire career, as long as I’ve known her,” said Clark.
O’neal, in very brief comments about Clark previously, has blasted her WNBA colleagues as being consumed with “professional jealousy” over the rookie sensation.
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