Angel Reese, forward for the Chicago Sky, turned an online insult into an empowering movement by launching merchandise centered around the viral phrase “Mebounds.” Originating from a joking banter on the Club 520 podcast, the term describes Reese’s uncanny ability to rebound her own missed shots during games. Coined by Bishop B Hen Hendricks, this catchphrase quickly spread across social media platforms, becoming a common taunt among fans. However, Reese transformed the viral moment into a business opportunity by trademarking the phrase in her home state of Maryland, asserting control and ownership over the term.
By protecting the trademark for ‘Mebounds’ through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Reese directly challenged those who tried to exploit the phrase for profit, such as creators like Stat Stuffer. She utilized TikTok to confidently declare her authority over the word and later introduced a merchandise line that ranges from T-shirts and sweatshirts to hats and slides, catering to both youth and adults. The prices vary between $28 and $75, signaling her swift and savvy response to the viral phrase. Unlike her earlier trademark attempt with ‘Bayou Barbie,’ which faced obstacles from Mattel, ‘Mebounds’ remains entirely under Reese’s control.
“Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate that up. Because mebounds, crebounds, keybounds, tebounds… anything that comes off the board, it’s mine. Whoever came up with that, the trolling, I love when y’all do it, because the ideas be good,”
— Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward
Expanding the Brand and Supporting Anti-Cyberbullying Efforts
Angel Reese’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at one phrase. In late June 2025, she moved to expand her brand by securing a trademark for ‘Reesebounds,’ further capitalizing on her rebounding reputation while reinforcing her battle against online harassment. A portion of the merchandise profits is dedicated to combating cyberbullying, funneling proceeds through The Angel C. Reese Foundation, which she established to support awareness and prevention initiatives.
Facing persistent internet criticism regarding her shooting percentage, currently around 39.1%, Reese continues to deliver strong on-court performances, averaging 12.3 rebounds and 11.7 points per game in the 2025 WNBA season. Despite fan backlash, including reactions stemming from recent games such as the one against the Golden State Valkyries where a foul on Tiffany Hayes contributed to a loss, Reese remains composed and committed to channeling negativity into positive impact through her foundation and branding strategies.
“Angel Reese is officially selling merch with the phrase ‘Mebounds’ on it. Proceeds from the merch will go to the Angel C. Reese foundation to help combat cyberbullying.”
— The Sporting News (via Twitter)
Julian Reese’s Path to the NBA Following the Family Legacy
Adding to the Reese family’s rising sports narrative, Angel Reese’s younger brother, Julian Reese, is pursuing his professional basketball aspirations after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. Having completed a strong four-year career at Maryland, where he averaged 13.3 points and 9 rebounds per game, Julian earned a spot on the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League roster. This opportunity positions him to impress scouts in Las Vegas and potentially secure a two-way contract with the Lakers.
Angel Reese celebrated Julian’s breakthrough on social media, underscoring the significance of the moment for her brother’s career prospects. She expressed her enthusiasm with a short message on X, writing, “OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU.” Julian, known by the nickname Juju, embraced the family’s rebounding reputation and explained the trait as a matter of effort and heart rather than just skill.
“The rebounding thing, that runs in the family. I just think it’s like a heart thing.”
— Julian Reese, aspiring NBA player
Angel’s success also sets a high standard; she ranks fourth in the most 15-point, 15-rebound games during a player’s first two WNBA seasons, trailing only elite athletes like Tina Charles, Yolanda Griffith, and Jonquel Jones. This family connection highlights the shared dedication and talent fueling both siblings’ athletic ambitions.
Angel Reese’s Ongoing Fight Against Criticism and Cyberbullying
Despite consistent scrutiny and hostile reactions from certain fans, Angel Reese leverages her platform to confront cyberbullying head-on. Her trademarking of ‘Mebounds’ and ‘Reesebounds’ and the proceeds channeled to her foundation illustrate a strategic approach to owning the narrative and fostering change in the digital space. While the intense spotlight of professional sports often draws criticism, Reese’s calm and steady efforts reveal resilience and leadership beyond her on-court performance.
This initiative also highlights the growing conversation about mental health and online harassment challenges faced by athletes, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and support within the sports community. Reese’s brand-building combined with her philanthropic commitment may serve as a blueprint for other athletes confronting similar issues in the future.