Truthfully, women’s basketball gained much attention thanks to the LSU Tigers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes controversy. Specifically, the critics who clutched their pearls at Angel Reese giving Caitlan Clark a taste of her own medicine.

And now the same woman they called “classless” is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

The publication announced on Tuesday that the Final Four’s Most Oustanding Player would debut as a swimsuit model for 2023 later this month. 

Trading her purple shorts, jersey and legging for a purple string bikini and cowrie shell necklace, Reese gave photographer Yu Tsai an unbothered expression with her index finger on one hand, resting on her ring finger on the other hand.

It’s a signature gesture that deepened the divide in the nation. On March 26, Clark did the John Cena “you can’t see me” hand gesture at a Hawkeyes vs. Louisville Cardinals game. Clark fans referred to the move as “swag” and praised her. But when Reese made the same move to Clark on April 2 at the Tigers vs. Hawkeyes game, it was considered “ghetto,” News Onyx reported.

Reese followed Clark around to ensure she saw her and tapped her ring finger, signaling the home for her new championship ring. 

Critics called Reese a “POS,” “classless,” “ghetto” and “unprofessional.” To make matters worse, right after Reese led her team to victory, first lady Jill Biden demonstrated favoritism by inviting the Tigers and Hawkeyes to the White House when only the winners were supposed to receive that invite.

Regardless of the critics and double standards, Reese came out on top. The 6’3” player led the Tigers to achieve its first NCAA championship, increased the attention on women’s basketball, taught young Black girls to be fearless, and was 

featured on the SI Swimsuit cover.

“Angel Reese is a phenomenal basketball player,” the publication’s editor-in-chief MJ Days said. “She’s an All- American and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. While we’re, of course, here to celebrate her incredible achievements and athleticism, it wouldn’t be an SI Swimsuit moment if we weren’t shining a light on Angel’s achievements off the court.”

Reese confirmed that she and Clark were in a “cool” place. She also commented on how much she appreciated the public’s support. 

“Having so many people come back to me and say, ‘You guys have changed the game. You guys have been a part of history,’ I embraced that,” she said.

She’s hoping the controversy helped the world realize that women athletes are as competitive as male athletes.