Angel Reese isn’t just a basketball player—she’s a brand, a voice, and a cultural icon. At only 22, she’s graced magazine covers, signed six-figure NIL deals, and used her platform to speak up for women, Black athletes, and authenticity in sports. By all accounts, she’s already won.
Reality Check
However, since joining the WNBA, Angel Reese has faced ongoing challenges. She completed her rookie season with a record of 13 wins and 27 losses. During that season, Reese averaged 13.6 points per game (PPG) and 13.1 rebounds per game (RPG), leading the WNBA in rebounding. While these statistics are respectable, they do not meet superstar standards. Currently, the Chicago Sky has a record of 3 wins and nine losses, and Reese is posting averages of 11.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG. She’s still adjusting to WNBA spacing, where post moves are more complex and double teams come faster. At LSU, she dominated with her size and grit. She needs to expand her skill set in the WNBA—and she knows it.
Two Versions of Success
Reese is navigating two distinct timelines in her life: one in which she has already become a culture-shifting figure and another in which she is just starting her journey as a professional athlete. This duality makes her experience both unique and relatable. While everyone sees the polished photo shoots, few recognize the countless hours she spends in the gym perfecting her footwork and free throws. This doesn’t mean she isn’t putting in the effort behind the scenes; it simply means that the hard work is often unseen.
✅ Conclusion
Angel Reese is already a winner—off the court, and in life. Her on-court journey is still unraveling, and that’s the story now. If her off-court determination is any indication, expect her WNBA game to catch up—and soon.
About The Author
