When Angel Reese declared for the WNBA, she was expected to be one of the top picks in the draft. With her impressive stats and dominant performances at LSU, Reese was considered a sure-fire first-round selection. However, as the draft day approached, the narrative started to shift. News headlines like “Caitlin Clark goes No. 1, Angel Reese falls” began to surface, casting doubts on Reese’s potential in the professional league.
For Reese, this was a familiar feeling. Throughout her basketball career, she has been underestimated and overlooked, despite her undeniable talent and hard work. But this time, it was different. This time, it was the WNBA draft, the ultimate stage for women’s basketball players to showcase their skills and prove their worth. And yet, Reese found herself facing the same disrespect and doubts that she had encountered before.
But instead of letting it discourage her, Reese used it as motivation. She was determined to prove all the doubters wrong and show the world what she is truly capable of. And she did just that.
Reese’s journey to the WNBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, she fell in love with basketball at a young age. She honed her skills and developed her game, becoming one of the top high school players in the country. Her talent and hard work earned her a spot on the prestigious McDonald’s All-American team, where she was named co-MVP alongside future WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu.
But it was at LSU where Reese truly shined. In her two years with the Tigers, she averaged nearly six rebounds per game, showcasing her dominance on the court. She was a force to be reckoned with, using her size, strength, and athleticism to outplay her opponents. And yet, despite her impressive numbers and performances, experts still had doubts about her potential in the WNBA.
But Reese didn’t let the doubts faze her. She remained focused and determined, using the draft disrespect as fuel to her fire. And when she finally heard her name called on draft night, it was a moment of triumph and validation. She was selected by the Seattle Storm as the 13th overall pick, and she was ready to prove herself at the highest level.
But Reese’s journey was not without its challenges. She suffered a season-ending injury during her rookie year, which forced her to sit out for the entire season. It was a setback, but Reese didn’t let it discourage her. She used the time to work on her game and come back stronger than ever.
And that’s exactly what she did. In her second season with the Storm, Reese showed the world why she was a top draft pick. She averaged 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, proving to be a valuable asset to the team. She also helped the Storm win the WNBA championship, solidifying her place among the league’s top players.
But for Reese, it’s not just about individual success. She is also using her platform to inspire and empower others. She recently issued a silent challenge to her former LSU teammate, Cameron Thomas, who was also drafted in the NBA. Reese challenged Thomas to use his platform to uplift and support women’s basketball, just as she has done for him.
Reese’s journey to the WNBA has been a reminder of the disrespect and doubts that women’s basketball players face, even at the highest level. But it has also been a testament to her resilience, determination, and talent. She has proven that she belongs among the top players in the league, and she will continue to use her platform to inspire and empower others.
So, as we celebrate Reese’s success in the WNBA, let us also remember the challenges she has faced and the disrespect she has endured. Let us use her story as a reminder to never underestimate the talent and potential of women in sports. And let us continue to support and uplift women’s basketball, just as Reese has done for us.
