Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese (Photos via Getty Images)
The WNBA has announced that star rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been selected as All-Stars.
The rivals will team up for the first time in their careers as they are set to headline a 12-woman squad that will face the U.S. women’s national team in Phoenix on July 20.
The league announced as much on Tuesday night.
Clark and Reese will be the only new All-Stars set to play in said fixture. And they were both humbled to learn of their inclusion.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been her teammate before, even at USA Basketball. I know people will be really excited about it, but I hope it doesn’t take away from everyone else,” Clark said, per ESPN.
“This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and everyone on Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise. I don’t want it to take away from any of that and be the focal point of All-Star weekend because that’s not fair to them.”
Reese was pretty emotional after being informed of her selection on the back of the Chicago Sky’s win over the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night.
“I’m just so happy. I know the work I put in,” she said. “Coming into this league, so many people doubted me and didn’t think my game would translate and I wouldn’t be the player that I was in college or better or would be worse and wouldn’t be where I am right now.
“But I trusted the process and I believed and I’m thankful that I dropped to [pick No. 7] and was able to come to Chicago. And like, it’s just a blessing. I can’t thank my teammates and my coaches enough for just believing in me and trusting me. I know all of them are going to come to Phoenix and support me. So I’m really happy right now.”
Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Will Be Fighting For The Rookie Of The Year Award After The All-Star Break
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have helped the WNBA become immensely popular among younger fans since they were drafted earlier this year, with their rivalry making for entertaining spectacles whenever they face off.
They will be playing on the same team later this month, but their bid for the Rookie of the Year Award will take center stage after the All-Star festivities are over and their teams get back down to business.
Clark’s Indiana Fever have the advantage over Reese and the Sky, having won two of the three games they’ve played so far this season. They are scheduled to play again on August 30.
