Angel Reese made an impressive return to her college roots during the Chicago Sky’s exhibition game against the Brazilian national team, held on Friday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.
Reese showcased her talent by scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, leading the Sky to a commanding 89-62 victory.
Reese, who had an illustrious college career at LSU after transferring from Maryland, was all smiles as she stepped back into the arena that witnessed her rise.
At LSU, she twice earned All-America honors and played a key role in the team’s national championship win in 2023.
Entering her second season with the Sky, Reese has already made a name for herself by setting a WNBA single-season rebounding record and earning All-Rookie honors last year.
“Returning to this place feels incredible,” Reese expressed, delighted to reconnect with fans, staff, and the program that propelled her career.
The exhibition game drew an enthusiastic crowd of 6,373 spectators, many adorned in Sky merchandise and jerseys bearing Reese’s number.
They also cheered for her teammate, Hailey Van Lith, who, like Reese, was a Tiger in the 2023-24 season.
Van Lith, who transferred to TCU for her final college season, entered the game to a warm reception, contributing seven points, five assists, and three rebounds.
Before the match commenced, Reese and Van Lith were celebrated with a tribute featuring highlights from their time at LSU.
They were also greeted with flowers and embraces from LSU coach Kim Mulkey, a gesture that underlined the deep ties they hold with the university.
Kia Nurse added to the Sky’s success with 11 points, while Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso, playing against her fellow Brazilians, chipped in with six points and eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Manu Alves led the scoring for Brazil with nine points.
This game marked the debut for new Sky coach Tyler Marsh, who unveiled a refreshed starting lineup featuring veteran additions Nurse and Courtney Vandersloot, trade acquisition Ariel Atkins, and mainstays Reese and Cardoso.
The team’s strategy paid off, with Vandersloot orchestrating a fluid offense, leveraging her experience from a distinguished 12-year WNBA career.
Brazil’s tour continues with a match against the Indiana Fever on Sunday in Iowa City, where WNBA star Caitlin Clark first made her mark in college.