Profiling Angel Reese: Rising Star of the WNBA
Challenging experiences often build strength, and that certainly fits Angel Reese’s young career. Drafted 7th overall in 2024 by the Chicago Sky, Reese had expectations weighing on her before she even stepped onto the court. Sadly, she became a target for unwarranted social media backlash and harassment, which only makes her record-breaking season even more remarkable.
Much of the negativity directed at Reese feels unjustified. The controversy began during the 2023 NCAA Championship Game, where Reese made a memorable gesture toward Kate Clark after LSU’s victory over Iowa. Clark has stated she doesn’t dwell on the gesture; it was just part of the fierce competition. Yet, the criticism toward Reese continues unabated.
In her inaugural professional season, Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, leading the league in rebounds. She shattered the record for most rebounds per game by a rookie, finishing with 446 rebounds in 2024, the highest in WNBA single-season history.
Reese also set a record for consecutive games with over 20 rebounds in 2024, achieving this feat three times in succession. Additionally, her 26 double-doubles rank second in WNBA history for a single season, including a record-setting 15 consecutive double-doubles.
Reading all of this is exhausting in itself. It’s remarkable that she achieved such incredible stats right after a demanding NCAA season, jumping straight into the WNBA with little downtime—and added to that, the negativity she has had to deal with.
What’s fascinating about Reese’s journey is that she’s already excelling and still has plenty of room to grow. Starting off by breaking rebound records and consistently achieving double-doubles suggests that, as she matures, she could become even more phenomenal.
Having a seasoned point guard could significantly benefit Reese’s development. There was hope for Courtney Vandersloot to provide that mentorship when she returned to Chicago, but an ACL injury derailed those plans early in the season. We’ve seen glimpses of what Reese can achieve when she’s paired with playmakers, which makes the current situation more ironic given the WNBA’s dynamics.
This season hasn’t unfolded as Chicago had envisioned, yet Reese remains focused on her own growth on the court.
In her sophomore year, Reese is averaging 14 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, which is again among the highest in league history. She’s also improved her assists from 1.9 to 3.8 per game, and her shooting percentage increased from 39.1% to 44.6%.
Thus far, Reese has shown solid progress from her first to second year in the WNBA. Her successful winter season surely contributed, as her team won the championship (though Reese missed the playoffs due to injury), and she received Player of the Year honors while making the Second Team.
What’s next for Reese? It’s hard to say. If positioned well, she could rise to become one of the league’s greatest stars. Already a two-time WNBA All-Star in just two years, she may soon find herself joining Team USA for the Olympics. However, the team-building challenges ahead could complicate her path. With expanding drafts, free agency chaos, and ongoing trades, surrounding her with high-caliber teammates may prove difficult—leading to the possibility of her exploring free agency when her rookie contract concludes.
Regardless of the circumstances beyond her control, Angel Reese is thriving. Her resilience is impressive, transforming pressure into something extraordinary—a true diamond in the WNBA.
