Caitlin Clark Praises Angel Reese's 'Tremendous Motor' as Team USA Duo Chases FIBA World Cup Gold

Former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark had high praise for her new Team USA teammate Angel Reese, offering an honest assessment of the Chicago Sky forward as the two WNBA rivals now share the court in pursuit of a FIBA World Cup title in Berlin, Germany.

Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, spoke with the Associated Press about what it has been like seeing Reese as a teammate rather than an opponent during the international tournament. The two have been key contributors off the bench for Team USA, which advanced to Thursday's quarterfinal matchup against Hungary.

What did Caitlin Clark say about Angel Reese?

Clark did not hold back when describing Reese's competitive fire and relentless work ethic, calling her one of the hardest-working players in the game.

We're both fiery, fiery competitors and we want to win and it's one of the things I really admire about her game. She's competitive and she has a tremendous motor, like she has one of the best motors in the league. She works just as hard as anybody on the court. So, it's been fun to be able to play with her, Clark said.

The mutual respect between the two stars marks a notable shift from their intense rivalry, which began when Reese and LSU defeated Clark and Iowa in the 2023 National Championship Game, 102-85.

From WNBA rivals to Team USA teammates

Clark became the Indiana Fever's No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, while Reese went seventh to the Chicago Sky before being traded to the Atlanta Dream. Both players have since become All-Stars and record-setting stars in their three professional seasons.

This season, Clark has set records in triple-doubles, scoring, and assists. Reese has posted impressive rebounding and double-double records of her own. The two also lead the WNBA in technical fouls this season, tied with Team USA teammate Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury with seven apiece.

Team USA's path to the quarterfinals

Team USA showed some vulnerability in group play, struggling to pull away from Italy in a three-point win where only one player scored in double digits. The team bounced back with a 41-point blowout victory over Czechia, with Reese contributing 13 points and six rebounds off the bench while Clark added nine points and seven assists.

The Americans have been resting ahead of Thursday's quarterfinal matchup with Hungary. The winner advances to the semifinal against the winner of the Australia-Spain game.

How to watch Team USA vs. Hungary

The United States plays Hungary at 5:30 a.m. ET on Thursday. The game will be shown on TNT and HBO Max for television and streaming.

For Iowa basketball fans, Clark's continued success on the international stage is a source of pride, as the former Hawkeye remains one of the most recognizable and accomplished athletes to come out of the state's university system.

What's next for Clark and Reese?

With the WNBA playoffs approaching, both players have business to handle first at the FIBA World Cup. A gold medal would add another chapter to their already storied careers and further cement their places among the game's rising stars.