Angel Reese, the LSU basketball sensation, had high hopes for her much-anticipated debut in the “Unrivaled” basketball tournament. However, despite securing an impressive double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, her performance wasn’t enough to prevent a stunning loss that has left fans and critics buzzing with disappointment.

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The game, billed as a showcase for top-tier talent, quickly turned into a nightmare for Reese and her team. Struggling with turnovers, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses, her squad fell apart in the second half, ultimately losing by a double-digit margin.

For a player used to dominating headlines for her skills, this performance ignited a backlash from fans who expected her to lead the team to victory.

Social media erupted after the game, with critics calling her performance “overhyped” and questioning her ability to thrive under pressure. “A double-double means nothing if your team doesn’t win,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Angel Reese has talent, but where’s the leadership when it matters most?”

Reese, known for her outspoken personality, responded to the criticism with a message on Twitter: “Wins and losses are part of the game. I’ll be back stronger.” While her confidence is undeniable, the loss has raised questions about her readiness for the intense spotlight of high-stakes competition outside of college basketball.

Analysts have pointed out that Reese’s individual stats were impressive, but her team’s chemistry seemed off. Some believe this debut is just a minor setback, while others suggest it’s a wake-up call for the young star to refine her game.

Gabby Thomas knows a thing or two about speed, success, and the spotlight. The owner of three Olympic gold medals has been the buzz on and off the track. However, when Vogue released its Winter 2025 issue, featuring her alongside WNBA sensation Angel Reese on its cover, it perhaps didn’t move the needle. Track enthusiasts did not receive it well, as Thomas had wished.

Instead, the whole moment turned controversial instead of being celebratory. Fans called out everything from the wardrobe to the photography. This was not a moment of basking in the glory of high fashion. Rather, Thomas found herself at the center of an unexpected backlash.

Did Vogue miss the mark in celebrating Gabby Thomas and Angel Reese’s athletic charisma?

Meanwhile, Angel Reese had already been a style icon in women’s basketball: “Bayou Barbie” was the brand she’d long since built off of flawless glam, flashy outfits, and unapologetic confidence. When Vogue announced that both Thomas and Reese would be featured on the Winter 2025 cover, it seemed like the perfect moment for sports and fashion.

Vogue has certainly had its share of controversies regarding placing athletes on its covers. From Serena Williams’ 2018 cover felt the image played into racial stereotypes—to Angel Reese’s own Vogue feature in the past, sparking debates about whether mainstream fashion platforms truly understand and represent Black women in sports. The magazine often finds itself squarely in the middle of criticism. But with Thomas and herself on the cover now, fans are way beyond critiquing photos. They’re second-guessing creative direction altogether.

Fans react, WTF is this?

One fan didn’t mince words, posting, “I’m so proud of her, but WTF at everything about this picture?” That seemed to be a prevailing sentiment on social media. And a lot of people just felt the styling and photography were a letdown for Thomas and Reese.

Another fan chimed in, “So much wrong with this photo.” But what did go wrong? The blame wasn’t on Thomas or Reese themselves; rather, it was the creative direction of the shoot.

“I bet it was one Anne Lubitz or whatever; she did crap with Simone, Zendaya, and plenty of others—well, made them look crazy.” This reaction moved the blame around to Vogue for its creative team. To some, even this was partly about a pattern of racist styling of black female athletes.

Another fan seconded the criticism, writing, “Credit to Gabby for making it onto the cover. No credit to the wardrobe or the photographer? WTF is this?.” The consensus? Viewers felt that the execution did not represent Thomas’s and Reese’s charisma and athleticism.
Still, with the negative came some who continued to clap for Thomas’ break into fashion. One fan, though grateful she at least tried, appeared to still be disgruntled by the outcome: “Not nearly justice for this lady, but well done.”

But more than that, it also speaks about how black female athletes are styled and presented in sports media. The greater question is who dictates and directs such style and presentation and how, when, or whether those being represented feel accurately reflected in what ultimately ends up in front of readers and viewers. Fans, mostly, thought Vogue had blown an opportunity to celebrate Thomas and Reese in a way that truly mirrored their power and personality.

But Gabby Thomas isn’t slowing down. On the track and in front of the camera, she proves she is more than just an athlete. She’s a brand. And Thomas is ready to carve out her space in fashion. Even if fans don’t receive it well. Sports stars are increasingly stepping into high fashion. And with this, the line between athlete and influencer is blurring. But for now, fans are just hoping that next time, the execution matches the talent.