Caitlin Clark forces Angel Reese fan Shaquille O'Neal into unwanted U-turn

Shaquille O'Neal had a public change of heart regarding Caitlin Clark's pro basketball career despite being a mentor to her media foil, Angel Reese.

The basketball Hall of Famer praised the WNBA No. 1 overall pick after scoring a career-high 31 points in a win over Reese and the Sky. The 15-time NBA All-Star finally decided to speak about Clark, stating his loyalty to Reese for his prolonged silence before eventually having no choice but to address what Clark is doing.

"[Clark] does everything right," O'Neal said to Sports Illustrated . "I never spoke about her [before] because Angel is my girl but I can truthfully say Caitlin Clark is for real."

"I'm watching her play, and I'm trying to be upset but she makes the right pass, makes the right play. Girls try to beat her up, but she doesn't really complain," he admitted. "She's a great one, even early on. She's the real deal. Much respect to her and her family the way she grew up and the way she plays. All little girls should watch all the WNBA players play but those two are my favorite."

• Caitlin Clark poised to humble WNBA's 'greatest player' just months after mentor offer
• Angel Reese blasts treatment from Caitlin Clark fans and makes racism accusation

O'Neal and Reese's tight connection developed as two former LSU students who became brand ambassadors for Reebok sneakers throughout their careers. O'Neal, the former Lakers big man, currently serves as the President of Reebok basketball and played a pivotal role in securing Reese's endorsement after she completed her college career.

In the middle of the Sky forward's campaign to break the WNBA 's consecutive double-double streak, Sue Bird and O'Neal discussed the ongoing topic of Reese and Clark's clearcut emergence as Rookie of the Year contenders. Shaq, who liked the Sky forward's style of play to his own, was convinced that Reese would win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.

"She made the comment the other day that she was born like this, and it's true. Her mentality, the way she plays, no-nonsense, going to say what is on her mind, going to play the way she plays, and I love that about her," said Shaq previously.

"Caitlin [Clark] is a fabulous player. The female Steph Curry . They have done a lot for the game, but let's not forget all the people that made the game what it was," he continued. "They always play hard; their fundamentals are great. But I'm going to give it to Angel Reese right now."

The history between Reese and Clark dates back to their college basketball playing days at LSU and Iowa, specifically during the 2023 NCAA National championship, where a ring gesture from Reese would follow her for the rest of her college career and into the professional ranks. Since then, both superstars have become intertwined on the court due to their record-breaking achievements and popular online followings.