Angel Reese has emerged as a major figure in the WNBA, celebrated for her impressive rebounding and relentless play. Meanwhile, her brother Julian Reese is chasing a professional basketball career after overcoming the disappointment of going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Reese siblings are now both pursuing their ambitions in top basketball leagues, representing a rare example of an NBA and WNBA family.
Angel, known as the ‘Bayou Barbie,’ was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky following her national championship-winning season at LSU in 2023, where she faced off against rival Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Julian, despite four productive years at Maryland where he averaged 11.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, was not drafted, but he secured an opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent for the NBA Summer League.
Julian Reese’s Journey from College to the NBA Summer League
Julian’s path to professional basketball was fraught with challenges after he was overlooked in the 59-player NBA draft. Standing 6-foot-9 and showing steady production over his college career, Reese faced the emotional difficulty of being undrafted. However, his signing by the Los Angeles Lakers has given him a critical chance to prove his value in the NBA environment.
Joining the Lakers Summer League roster allows Julian to train alongside some of the most talented players in the league, including LeBron James, one of basketball’s all-time greats. He will also share a facility with rising stars such as Luka Doncic and Bronny James, the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, offering a unique opportunity to develop his skills by learning from established players.
Angel expressed her support after the announcement, posting on Instagram:
OPPORTUNITY. COME ONNNN…proud is an understatement. TIME TO WORK,
—Angel Reese, WNBA star
Angel Reese’s Rising Stardom and Records in the WNBA
At 23 years old and midway through her second WNBA season, Angel Reese has maintained an impressive presence on the court. After an outstanding rookie campaign where she led in rebounds and earned All-Star honors, she is currently the only WNBA player averaging a double-double in the 2025 season, putting up 11.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
Despite her high rebounding totals, some critics accuse Reese of inflating her statistics through offensive rebound opportunities arising from her own missed shots. In response, Angel legally trademarked the term ‘mebounds’ to embrace and deflect the criticism.
Even with her strong individual efforts, the Chicago Sky has struggled this season, accumulating just four wins. Tensions with the coaching staff, including head coach Tyler Marsh, have surfaced as the team seeks better results. However, Angel continues to break records, recently making WNBA history with her back-to-back games totaling at least 35 points, 35 rebounds, and eight assists combined, a feat never before achieved in the league.
Controversy Over Refereeing and Fan Support for Angel Reese
Angel Reese’s recent games have sparked debate regarding the officiating she has faced, with many fans noting that opposing players frequently use physical tactics against her without enough calls from referees. In a recent match against the Golden State Valkyries, social media users voiced frustration over the leniency shown toward defenders.
One fan on platform X urged the Chicago Sky to highlight instances of missed foul calls on Reese:
After tonight, I need @chicagosky to put a tape together of how Angel is constantly being fouled with NO CALL! These people are grabbing her arms, her jersey too and holding her down and she has no whistle! ENOUGH!
—Chicago Sky fan
Another supporter remarked on the lack of free throw opportunities for Angel despite frequent physicality:
Bro it’s no reason Angel Reese should have no free throw attempts!
—WNBA enthusiast
In the latest game, Angel was only awarded one free throw attempt, which she converted flawlessly with a 2-for-2 shooting performance from the line.
Family Ties: Expanding the Legacy Across the NBA and WNBA
The Reese siblings’ presence in professional basketball adds them to an exclusive group of brother-sister duos who have competed simultaneously in the NBA and WNBA. Examples include Candace and Anthony Parker, TJ and Megan McConnell, and Mark and Elizabeth Williams, the latter of whom is Angel’s teammate on the Chicago Sky.
Their family’s basketball influence extends further, as their cousin Jordan Hawkins plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, reinforcing a remarkable basketball pedigree within the Reese family.
The Road Ahead for the Chicago Sky and Julian Reese
The Chicago Sky return to action with a significant matchup against Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks, both teams currently tied in their season series. This will be the final game between the two sides this season, with the Sparks looking to even the score after a previous loss.
For Julian Reese, the upcoming NBA Summer League represents a pivotal juncture. Success there could secure him a roster spot for the 2025-26 NBA season, completing a family milestone should he join Angel as a fellow professional athlete in the top basketball leagues. The opportunities to learn from legends and talented young stars make this an important time for Julian’s development in the sport.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese continues to showcase her skills and resilience as she fights not only for victories but also for recognition and fair treatment within the highly competitive WNBA.