Baltimore native Angel Reese, known for her dynamic play and vibrant personality, has officially declared for the WNBA draft. The LSU star made her announcement just two days after the Tigers’ season concluded with a loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. Reese chose to reveal her decision through a photo shoot in Vogue, drawing inspiration from tennis legend Serena Williams, who retired in a similar fashion in 2022.
Reese, who has been a standout player throughout her college career, shared that she had made up her mind to turn professional before the start of March Madness. “Of course, I like to do everything big,” Reese told Vogue. “I didn’t want anything to be basic.” She added, “I’ve done everything I wanted to in college. I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten (Southeastern Conference) Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”
Reese posted a video compilation of her basketball career on social media, expressing her gratitude for the past four years and excitement for the next chapter. She ended the post with the hashtag “Bayou Barbie Out.” Reese is expected to be one of the top players drafted on April 15, likely joining Caitlin Clark, who is anticipated to be the No. 1 pick by Indiana. The interest in Reese and Clark has significantly boosted nationwide attention in women’s college basketball, with ticket prices for the women’s Final Four games surpassing those of the men’s.
Chris Leyden, SeatGeek’s growth marketing director, commented on this trend, stating, “We’re seeing a seismic shift in the world of sports, thanks to athletes like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others who are captivating audiences with their talent and star power. This shift is largely driven by the potent brand power these athletes wield, fueling unprecedented demand for this year’s March Madness tournament.”
Reese, a 6-foot-3 forward known for her ability to run the floor, guard the perimeter, and block shots, is projected to be a seventh or eighth overall pick in the draft. Despite some questions about her outside shot, her overall game and potential have made her a highly sought-after player. After her announcement, Reese attended an NBA game in New Orleans between the Orlando Magic and the Pelicans, where she received enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Reese’s journey began in Baltimore, where she grew up playing basketball with her brother and other boys, which she credits for her physical and mental toughness on the court. She started her college career at Maryland before transferring to LSU in 2022. In her first season with the Tigers, she helped lead the team to its only national title. LSU coach Kim Mulkey praised Reese for her contributions, saying, “She helped transform our program. We are all indebted to Angel Reese for the contributions she has given to this program, helping us win our first national championship, and the contributions she made on our university as a whole.”
During her time at LSU, Reese registered 61 double-doubles, second only to Sylvia Fowles in the program’s history. She averaged 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game, including seven games with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Reese became the first SEC player since Vanderbilt’s Wendy Scholtens in 1989 and 1990 to lead the league in both scoring and rebounding in consecutive seasons. This season, she was named the SEC Player of the Year.
Reese’s impact extended beyond the court, as she became a prominent figure in growing the game of women’s basketball across the country. Her LSU teammates often referred to her as “the queen,” and she was known for her leadership and resilience. Despite facing increased scrutiny since winning the national title, Reese remained unapologetically herself. Her teammate Flau’jae Johnson defended her, saying, “Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her. I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy. She’s the type of teammate that’s going to make you believe in yourself.”
Reese’s final college game was marked by an ankle injury in the second quarter against Iowa, yet she still managed to finish with 17 points and 20 rebounds before fouling out in the final two minutes. Reese was one of the top NIL earners in college, with a valuation of $1.8 million, according to On3.com. She had marketing relationships with brands like Coach, Reebok, and Mercedes-Benz, which could now translate into lucrative endorsements as she transitions to professional basketball.
As Reese embarks on her professional career, her journey from Baltimore to the WNBA serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. Her determination, talent, and vibrant personality have left an indelible mark on women’s college basketball, and her future in the WNBA looks incredibly promising.
Source: CBS/AP
