Angel Reese Signs with Unrivaled
Angel Reese has signed a contract with Unrivaled for the remainder of the season, as announced by the league on Tuesday. Reese, who was part of Unrivaled’s inaugural season last year, is set to make her return to Lord’s BC on February 20th for their match against Hibs BC.
This news follows a recent midseason trade involving several players: Courtney Williams moved from the Vinyl to the Breeze, Saniyah Rivers from the Hibs to the Vinyl, and Azra Stephen transferred from the Rose to the Hibs. With Stephen’s exit, a frontcourt position has opened up for Reese.
The Rose, last season’s champions, currently hold the fifth-best record in the league at 5-6. Reese’s arrival will bolster their roster, especially given her recognition as Unrivaled’s Defensive Player of the Year last season.
Unrivaled, a women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Nafetha Collier and Brianna Stewart, is now in its second season.
Current Standing of Rose
Up to this point, the Rose have had a somewhat inconsistent season. Reese will be reuniting with former teammates Chelsea Gray, Carlea Copper, and Lexi Hull. This season, the team has also welcomed new players like Shakira Austin, Sug Sutton, and Haley Jones.
It’s noteworthy that although the Rose won the championship last year, Reese couldn’t participate in the final match due to a wrist injury.
This season, the team’s standout performers include Gray, who averages 25.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds; Copper, contributing 19.3 points and 4.9 rebounds; and Austin, with 16.5 points and 8.6 rebounds.
So far, the top teams in Unrivaled include the Races (8-2), the Phantoms (8-3), and the Mists (7-4). The Races have been impressive, led by Brittney Sykes (18.9 points), Jackie Young (16.4 points and 3.9 assists), and Alyssa Thomas (11.6 points, 7.6 rebounds).
The Phantoms are buoyed by Kelsey Plum (22.4 points, 5.5 assists), Aliyah Boston (19.9 points, 19.1 rebounds), and Kiki Iliafen (11.5 points, 4.6 rebounds).
The Mists’ key players include Alisha Gray (20 points, 3 assists), Brianna Stewart (19.7 points, 9.4 rebounds), and Arike Ogunbowale (14.5 points).
Whether Reese’s addition will significantly improve the Rose’s performance remains to be seen. However, her return is sure to draw attention as fans look forward to her debut this season.
Interestingly, last month, Reese shared a nostalgic quote from Unrivaled on social media, hinting at her eagerness to return.
The Unrivaled season is set to conclude on February 27th, after which the postseason will kick off.
