LSU’s rising talent Mikaylah Williams has lavished acclaim on both her ex-teammate Angel Reese and adversary Caitlin Clark for their incredible contributions to women’s hoops.
Both of these basketball dynamos made the leap from college courts to WNBA fame, not only carving out stellar reputations and clinching a swathe of endorsements but also profoundly influencing the growth of their sport. Ever since Clark and Reese were snagged by the WNBA in last year’s draft, the league has enjoyed its most spectacular television viewership in 25 years. During their rookie seasons, game broadcasts attracted an average of 657,000 viewers.
Moreover, sales for jerseys, other merchandise, and social media engagement associated with teams have soared above the norm, thanks to their extraordinary performance during games. Williams soaked in all she could during her first year at LSU while sharing the court with Reese, now a WNBA icon.
“With Angel, it’s just being unapologetically yourself and that’s kind of something that I’ve stepped into, like being able to speak up in front of my team and be a leader. So that’s something she really instilled in me,” Williams shared.
Though Clark once stood as a formidable rival from Iowa facing off against Williams and Reese, Williams only offers glowing remarks about her too. Clark and Reese have undoubtedly been the key drivers of the WNBA’s phenomenal surge in popularity over recent years, thanks in part to their enthralling rivalry during their college basketball days.
(Image: Getty Images)
Following their WNBA draft, both women went on to deliver exceptional rookie seasons, with Clark taking home the Rookie of the Year award and even contending for MVP, while Reese shattered the record for most rebounds secured in a single season.
“They are growing the women’s game like no other,” Williams stated. “Angel doing what she’s doing, Unrivaled, Caitlin Clark doing what she does, I’m just glad to be able to follow in their footsteps and hopefully still have that impact for the people coming behind me. Obviously, Caitlin Clark is amazing and the atmosphere with her in it was amazing.”
As March Madness gets underway, LSU is set to face off against San Diego State in the NCAA Championship bracket’s first round this Sunday, seeking to kick-start their campaign with a resounding victory.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
