🏀 Indiana Fever Rookies EXPOSE Angel Reese After Cringe-Worthy Workout – “She’s No Caitlin Clark!”

 WNBA News | May 5, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Angel Reese, the highly-touted rookie forward for the LSU Tigers, may have set high expectations for herself after an illustrious college career, but it seems like her transition to the WNBA might not be as seamless as anticipated. After a cringe-worthy workout session with the Indiana Fever rookies, some members of the team, including Caitlin Clark, have made it clear: Angel Reese is no Caitlin Clark.

In an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Fever’s preseason training, which aired on ESPN, Reese’s struggles on the court raised some eyebrows, especially given the immense hype surrounding her arrival to the WNBA. The awkward moments during her workout were noticeable, as she fumbled with basic drills and seemed out of sync with the rest of the team. The Fever’s rookies didn’t hold back either, with some openly discussing their surprise at Reese’s inability to perform up to the standard set by Caitlin Clark and the rest of the Fever veterans.

💥 A Cringe-Worthy Workout: What Went Wrong?

Reese, who had been touted as one of the top picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft, looked far from ready to meet the expectations placed upon her during the workout. While Reese had an incredibly successful career at LSU, leading the Tigers to a NCAA championship, her performance in the Fever’s practice drills raised questions about whether she was truly ready to face the WNBA’s higher level of competition.

Drills that typically focus on footwork, ball handling, and shooting became a struggle for Reese. In particular, her shooting mechanics seemed shaky, and she failed to connect on a series of wide-open shots, something that was immediately noticed by the Indiana Fever rookies.

One rookie, Makayla Timpson, was caught on camera quietly laughing as Reese missed yet another open jumper during a shooting drill. “I mean, this isn’t the same player we saw at LSU,” Timpson whispered to her teammate Sophie Cunningham. “I get the hype, but Caitlin Clark would never miss these.”

🏆 Caitlin Clark: A Standard of Excellence the Rookies Are Comparing to

It’s clear that the Fever rookies, many of whom have already witnessed the brilliance of Caitlin Clark, have high standards for what it takes to succeed in the WNBA. Clark, a WNBA rookie herself, has consistently demonstrated her ability to elevate the game with her sharp shooting, leadership, and incredible basketball IQ. She’s the player everyone looks up to and strives to match.

By comparison, Angel Reese seems to have a long way to go before she can reach Clark’s level of play. In fact, it wasn’t just the rookies who noticed the difference. Veteran Fever players, who have been around the league for years, also commented on Reese’s unpolished performance.

“I’ve seen a lot of rookies come through, but this is a different level,” said Sophie Cunningham. “Caitlin Clark, for example, can come in and lead a team right away. Reese? She’s going to need more time, that’s for sure.”

🏀 The Media Weighs In: Is Angel Reese Really Ready for the WNBA?

The media’s reaction has been swift, with many basketball pundits questioning whether Reese’s strong college career will translate into success in the WNBA. Some analysts have suggested that Reese may have been overhyped due to her role in LSU’s championship run, and her preseason struggles have done little to silence critics.

“Reese’s performance was underwhelming at best,” said ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo. “She has the tools, but right now, it’s clear she’s not ready to make an immediate impact on a WNBA team like Caitlin Clark has.”

The comparisons to Caitlin Clark are especially damning, as Clark’s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to score at will, create for others, and take over games has already made her a star, and the Fever are building their offense around her. Reese, however, has yet to showcase any of those qualities in her limited preseason action.

🔥 Reese’s Response: A Determined Rookie

Despite the early criticism and her awkward workout, Angel Reese has remained determined. In a brief statement after the workout, she acknowledged the difference in competition but insisted she was “ready for the challenge.”

“It’s just a matter of adjusting to the speed and physicality of the game,” Reese said. “I know what I can do, and I’m working every day to get better. I’m not here to compare myself to anyone else. I’m here to prove that I belong.”

While Reese’s confidence is commendable, it remains to be seen whether she can live up to the expectations placed on her. The bar has been set high by the likes of Caitlin Clark, and Reese will need to put in significant work if she hopes to reach that level.

💪 The Fever’s Plan for Angel Reese: Patience or Pressure?

While the Fever’s rookies and veterans may be critical of Reese’s early performance, the team’s coaching staff is taking a more measured approach. Stephanie White, the Fever’s head coach, acknowledged Reese’s talent but emphasized that the transition to the WNBA can be challenging for even the most highly regarded players.

“Angel Reese is a talented player, and we believe in her potential,” White said. “We’re not rushing her. She has time to adjust and get better. The pressure is on, but she has everything she needs to succeed in this league.”

The Fever’s coaching staff will likely give Reese ample time to adjust to the pro game. Whether or not she can rise to the occasion, however, will be one of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season.

🏀 What’s Next for Angel Reese?

Reese’s next opportunity to prove herself will come in the Fever’s next preseason game. She’ll have to dig deep and show that she can overcome the pressure and deliver the kind of performance expected from a top pick. The stakes are high, and with the Fever’s deep roster and Caitlin Clark’s dominance, Reese will need to step up her game if she hopes to make an impact.

“It’s not about being Caitlin Clark,” Reese said. “It’s about being the best Angel Reese I can be. And I’m going to make sure everyone remembers my name.”

📰 Related Articles & Updates:

🏀 Caitlin Clark Dominates Early in WNBA Preseason
🏆 Angel Reese’s WNBA Rookie Journey: What’s Next for Her?
🔥 Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: The Ultimate Rookie Showdown

The 2025 WNBA season promises to be full of exciting storylines. Will Angel Reese rise to the occasion, or will the Indiana Fever rookies continue to expose her early struggles? Stay tuned to find out!