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Candace Parker Names Greatest Women’s Basketball Player Ever Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 11:19 AM ET

When discussing the greatest women’s basketball player of all time, there’s no doubt many would include WNBA legend Candace Parker in the conversation.

However, with the WNBA not being established until 1996, several elite players from earlier generations didn’t receive the same recognition or opportunities that today’s stars enjoy.

One of those trailblazing athletes is former USC Trojans icon Cheryl Miller — and according to Parker, she is the "GOAT" of women’s basketball.

“100%, she’s always been that,” Parker said during an appearance on "All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson." “You put her in this era — it doesn’t matter. She’s going to do what she does.”

.@Candace_Parker gives Cheryl Miller her flowers and calls her the GOAT #LALegends pic.twitter.com/RacHpCq2qd
— All Facts No Brakes (@AllFactsPod) July 3, 2025

Parker also recalled her first time hearing about Miller:

“I remember Reggie [Miller] playing the Bulls, and my dad was like, ‘Reggie has a sister,’ and I just thought — one of the greatest basketball players on the men’s side had a sister who was even better.”

She continued, "The amount of respect I have for her and how much she means to women's basketball... the feeling is mutual, she is an icon."

Cheryl Miller’s collegiate career at USC spanned from 1982 to 1986, but recurring knee injuries ultimately prevented her from pursuing a professional playing career. Had she ever played in the WNBA, it would have required a return to the court more than a decade after her college days had ended.

Nonetheless, Miller left behind one of the most decorated careers in women’s basketball history. She led the Trojans to back-to-back national championships in 1983 and 1984, earned four All-American honors, and won several prestigious awards, including the Naismith Trophy and the Wade Trophy. She also became the first player — male or female — in USC history to have their jersey retired.

In 1993, Miller returned to her alma mater as head coach. She was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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