ESPN Commentator Ryan Ruocco Takes Stand on Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese 'Rivalry'

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese have played each other on several occasions over the years — and every time, fans are tuned in.

Their on-court battles date back to college, when Clark starred for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Reese led the LSU Tigers. The spotlight started during the 2023 national championship game, when Reese did the "you can’t see me" hand gesture and pointed to her ring finger in Clark’s direction. That was in response to Clark doing the hand gesture earlier in the NCAA Tournament.

Since then, the two have been paired against one another by the media. They met again in the 2024 Elite Eight, with Clark and Iowa winning.

Both entered the WNBA as part of the same draft class and went head-to-head four times during their rookie seasons. Clark ultimately took home the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, beating out Reese.

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, ESPN play-by-play voice Ryan Ruocco — who has called plenty of games featuring Clark and Reese — shared his thoughts with the media. He said he sees a real rivalry between the two, even if Reese says otherwise.

"For me, it's a rivalry," Ruocco said. "The core of that rivalry is Caitlin and Angel. The games were amazing. Highly competitive games with a lot of dramatic moments."