Angel Reese, drafted seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky, has already set a new standard with her rebounding skills while confronting significant unwarranted criticism. Despite facing harsh social media scrutiny following a contentious moment during the 2023 NCAA championship, Reese has maintained a record-breaking pace in her young professional career.
Breaking Records in the Rookie Season
Reese’s rookie season was nothing short of historic. Averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, she secured the highest rebounding average ever recorded by a rookie in WNBA history. Additionally, her total of 446 rebounds in the 2024 season stands as the single-season record, highlighting her dominance on the boards. She also holds the record for most consecutive games with at least 20 rebounds, achieving this feat three games in a row.
Her ability to consistently produce double-doubles was equally remarkable, with 26 in total—the second-most in a single season—and an all-time high of 15 consecutive double-double games. These accomplishments are even more impressive given the quick transition from her collegiate season and limited recovery time between competitions.
Navigating Criticism Rooted in NCAA Controversy
The backlash against Reese largely traces back to the 2023 NCAA championship game when LSU defeated Iowa. Reese’s ring hand gesture directed at Caitlin Clark, a moment of heated competition, sparked extensive negative reactions. Clark herself has dismissed the incident as typical trash talk between two elite athletes, yet Reese has continued to face prolonged and unfair judgment.
Development and Team Dynamics Impacting Growth
Though Reese’s growth trajectory is already steep, much of her game remains untapped, suggesting a future filled with further brilliance. The Chicago Sky had envisioned veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot guiding Reese’s development, but an early ACL injury curtailed that plan. Nonetheless, Reese demonstrated her potential alongside strong playmakers during events such as the 2024 All-Star Game with Caitlin Clark and in the Unrivaled league playing with Chelsea Gray.
While the Sky’s aspirations for a veteran-led offense were hampered, Reese continued to impress with her on-court performances, reflecting her adaptability and determination despite team setbacks.
Continued Excellence in Sophomore Season
In 2025, Reese has improved across several statistical categories. Her scoring has increased to 14 points per game, while her rebounding average remains a league-best at 12.6 per game. She has also enhanced her playmaking, raising her assists from 1.9 to 3.8 per game, and improved her shooting accuracy with a field goal percentage climbing from 39.1% to 44.6%. This progression between her first two seasons underlines her rapid development and growing impact in the league.
She has also gained recognition for her defensive prowess, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and a spot on the Second Team All-Unrivaled during the winter competition, even though she missed the Rose BC championship due to injury.
The Road Ahead: Potential and Team Challenges
Reese’s ceiling remains uncertain but undeniably high. Already a two-time WNBA All-Star, she is projected to join future Gold Medal Team USA squads, suggesting a hallmark international career alongside her WNBA achievements. However, her long-term success may hinge on the Chicago Sky’s ability to build a competitive team. With ongoing disruptions from expansion drafts, free agency volatility, and the franchise’s repeated trading away of draft picks, assembling supporting talent around Reese remains a significant obstacle.
This scenario could lead Reese to explore opportunities with other teams once her rookie contract ends, potentially becoming a free agent seeking the ideal environment to maximize her talent.
Resilience Defines Angel Reese’s Rising Legacy
Despite the pressures of record-breaking expectations and external negativity, Angel Reese has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and focus. Her ability to thrive amid adversity speaks to her strength and determination, positioning her as a standout figure in the WNBA. As she continues to evolve her game and break barriers, Reese’s journey symbolizes both the challenges and triumphs of a rising star crafted through unwavering perseverance and exceptional skill.
“It’s honestly exhausting just reading all of that, not to mention doing it.” —SB Nation
“Clark has stated she didn’t think much of the gesture; it was merely a heated moment of trash talk between two legendary competitors.” —SB Nation
“Her level of resilience is one that most wouldn’t be able to comprehend, and she’s let the pressure forge her into something beautiful.” —SB Nation
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. “When I got fouled and fell, I landed on my hand,” Reese shared in a TikTok video late Sunday. “I have a small bone crack. The doctors said I could choose whether to have surgery or not.”
Q. Does Angel Reese have a 1.6 GPA?
A. Reese finished her degree at LSU in March 2024, studying Interdisciplinary Studies. She focused on Communication, Leadership Development, and Psychology. To graduate, her GPA had to be higher than 2.0, the minimum needed.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel inherited her basketball skills from her parents, who both had careers in college and professional basketball.