Angel Reese Overjoyed After WNBA All-Star Nod, Calls It a Blessing
Angel Reese, the standout rookie for the Chicago Sky, has been named to the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, a recognition that has left her overjoyed and emotional. Reese, who has been making waves in her debut season, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the news, calling it a blessing.
Reese’s journey to the All-Star Game has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming into the league, she faced skepticism about whether her college success would translate to the professional level. However, she has silenced her critics with her stellar performances, including a career-high 20-point, 10-rebound double-double in a recent game against the Connecticut Sun. Her consistent play has earned her the title of Rookie of the Month for June and now, a coveted spot in the All-Star Game.
“I’m just so happy. I know the work I put in,” Reese said. “Coming into this league, so many people doubted me and didn’t think my game would translate. But I trusted the process and believed in myself. I’m thankful that I dropped to [pick No. 7] and was able to come to Chicago. It’s just a blessing. I can’t thank my teammates and my coaches enough for believing in me and trusting me.”
Reese will be joining a star-studded Team WNBA, which includes nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike and six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner, alongside fellow rookies Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The Indiana Fever led all teams with three All-Star selections, including Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.
The All-Star Game will be held at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024, and will feature Team WNBA taking on Team USA. This format, introduced in 2021, pits a single All-Star team against the Olympic-bound USA Women’s National Team, providing a unique and competitive showcase for the league’s top talent.
Caitlin Clark, another rookie sensation, was the top vote-getter in the fan voting, followed by Boston and Team USA’s A’ja Wilson. Clark and Reese, who previously faced off in college with Clark representing Iowa and Reese playing for LSU and Maryland, will now be teammates for the first time.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been her teammate before, even at USA Basketball. I know people will be really excited about it, but I hope it doesn’t take away from everyone else,” Clark said. “This is a huge accomplishment for everybody on Team USA and everyone on Team WNBA. They all deserve the same praise. I don’t want it to take away from any of that and be the focal point of All-Star weekend because that’s not fair to them.”
The selection process for the All-Star Game involved a combination of fan votes (50%), current WNBA players (25%), and a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters (25%). The top 10 vote earners automatically received All-Star nods, with league coaches then voting from a pool of the next 36 to complete Team WNBA’s 12-player roster.
The All-Star Game will also feature a skills challenge and 3-point contest on July 19, adding to the excitement of the weekend. Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup, especially given the history of underdog victories in the USA vs. All-Stars format. In 2021, Team WNBA defeated Team USA 93-85, with Arike Ogunbowale earning MVP honors after scoring 26 points.
Reese’s inclusion in the All-Star Game is a testament to her hard work and determination. Her journey from college standout to WNBA All-Star has been inspiring, and she hopes to continue proving her doubters wrong.
“I’m really happy right now,” Reese said. “I know all of my teammates and coaches are going to come to Phoenix and support me. It’s just a blessing to be here, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and viewership, the All-Star Game serves as a celebration of the league’s top talent and a showcase of the incredible skill and athleticism of its players. For Angel Reese, this All-Star nod is a significant milestone in what promises to be a long and successful career.
Source: Various News Outlets
