Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Chicago Sky’s media day, there was no doubt that Angel Reese would take the spotlight.
Reese’s transition to the WNBA has been smooth
The former LSU Tigers standout and seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft showcased her electrifying presence, marking her inaugural photoshoot in what promises to be a stellar career. Reese’s journey to the WNBA has been nothing short of remarkable.
Following an impressive collegiate career, where she averaged 13 points and seven rebounds during the preseason, Reese’s transition to the professional stage has been seamless. Paired with fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, Reese embodies the Sky’s youthful energy and potential. The camaraderie between Reese and Cardoso was evident during Media Day, as fans were treated to a glimpse of the dynamic duo.
Hiiiiii Barbiiiiieeeee @Reese10Angel pic.twitter.com/z2S5VkUtON
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 8, 2024
Angel Reese’s impact being felt beyond Chicago
But Reese’s impact transcends the court. With over 3 million followers on Instagram and a coveted invite to the Met Gala, Reese’s influence extends far beyond basketball. Embracing her celebrity status, Reese acknowledges the trailblazers who paved the way for her success, carrying their legacy with grace and gratitude. In Chicago, Reese’s arrival has sparked renewed enthusiasm among fans. Her jerseys flew off the shelves, signaling a newfound hope for the Sky faithful.
At Wintrust Arena, cheers echoed as Reese showcased her prowess, delivering 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals in a dominating victory over the New York Liberty. Reese spoke to the media regarding the recent rise in popularity of the WNBA, and touched on the legacy left behind by players before her. “The people that have played before me (and) a lot of the great players already in the league, they deserve this,”Reese said Tuesday night, ahead of the Chicago Sky’s home preseason game. “Being able to give them the publicity, because you always got to give your flowers to the ones that came before you … they’ve been deserving of this for a really long time.”
For Reese, every basket scored is a tribute to those who came before her, a testament to the enduring legacy of women’s basketball. Reese and the Chicago Sky will take the cout for their first regular season game next Wednesday, May 15th against the Dallas Wings.