Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese isn’t going to be a top-three pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, but she’s as popular as any prospect in the league right now.
Reese’s star status at LSU blossomed with a national championship win in 2022 and a run against Caitlin Clark. Her popularity has earned her lucrative deals for her name, image and likeness, but also earned her hate and criticism.
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Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese talks to teammates during a timeout during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Eileen Hooley)
That was evident Saturday when she appeared to cheer for teammate Chennedy Carter after a hip check on Clark. Reese was later fined $1,000 for missing postgame media coverage.
Reese spoke to reporters on Monday about the attention she and her team have received. She said she’ll take the good with the bad, and if that means playing a villain, so be it.
“It all started in the national championship game,” Reese said. “I’ve been dealing with this for two years. Understand, yeah, maybe people have said negative things to me, but honestly, I’m going to take it because, look, People are talking about women’s basketball, but you’d never expect them to be talking about women’s basketball.
Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) catches the ball and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese during the second half of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, June 1, 2024 in Indianapolis Reese) (5) shot. (AP Photo/Doug MacScule)
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“People are watching the games. We have celebrities coming to the games, arenas are sold out, just because of one game. Look at this. I’m going to play that role. I’m going to play the bad guy’s role. I’m going to play the bad guy’s role.” I’m going to continue to take that responsibility and be a villain to my teammates, and if I want to be that, I know I’ll look back on it 20 years from now as the same reason we watch women’s basketball. , I hope you all realize this.
In seven games, he averaged 10.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. She ranks seventh in the entire league in rebounds per game.
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket and Los Angeles Sparks’ Dearica Hamby during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. defense. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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Chicago lost to Indiana 71-70 on Saturday. The team’s record this season fell to 3 wins and 4 losses.
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