Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese wasn’t selected in the top three of the 2024 WNBA Draft, but she’s as popular as any rookie in the league right now.
Reese first established herself as a star athlete at Louisiana State University after winning the national title in 2022 and developing a budding rivalry with Caitlin Clark. Her popularity brought her lucrative name, image and likeness contracts, but it also brought hate and criticism.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese talks with teammates during a timeout in the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
That was evident on Saturday when Reese appeared to support teammate Chennedy Carter after Clark’s hip-check and was subsequently fined $1,000 for missing the post-game media availability.
Reese spoke to reporters on Monday about the spotlight on her and her team, saying she’s willing to take the good with the bad, and if that means playing a villain, so be it.
“It all started with the national championship game,” Reese said. “I’ve been working on this for two years now. Sure, there may be negative things being said about me, but I take it, honestly, because you look at what’s going on with women’s basketball. The people who are talking about women’s basketball are the ones I would never think of as talking about women’s basketball.”
Indiana Fever forward Narissa Smith (1) reaches for the ball as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) takes a shot during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchuler)
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“People are coming to the games just for one game. Celebrities are coming to the games. Arenas are full. Look at that. I’m going to take on the role. I’m going to take on the bad guy. And I’m going to continue to take on the role and be the bad guy to my teammates. I’m going to go down in history if that’s what I want to do. I’m going to look back in 20 years and realize that the reason we watch women’s basketball isn’t just because of one person, it’s because of me. And I want people to realize that.”
Through seven games, he is averaging 10.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, ranking seventh league-wide in rebounds per game.
Angel Reese (5) of the Chicago Sky drives to the basket through the defense of Dearrica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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Chicago lost 71-70 to Indiana on Saturday. The team fell to 3-4 on the season.
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