CHICAGO — Angel Reese’s debut year in the professional league was nothing short of extraordinary, exceeding nearly all pre-season forecasts. She not only broke records but also played a significant role in elevating the league’s popularity alongside Caitlin Clark from the Indiana Fever. Their collegiate rivalry transitioned into a professional stage, capturing the attention of basketball fans nationwide.
Despite her stunning achievements, Reese’s first year was lacking in wins—something she is not accustomed to. Determined to alter this narrative, she has set her sights on a much-anticipated season opener against Indiana on May 17. “Losing is never something you want to get used to,” Reese reflected. “Every night, we were close but just couldn’t get over the line.”
The Chicago Sky ended the previous season ranked 10th in the WNBA with a 13-27 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This disappointing outcome stood despite significant contributions from Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso. Both young talents return this season, buoyed by major roster changes designed to enhance their performance.
Chicago made a significant coaching change by hiring Tyler Marsh, an assistant from Las Vegas, replacing the former coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Veteran leadership was also added, most notably incorporating franchise assist leader Courtney Vandersloot and acquiring star player Ariel Atkins from Washington. These moves aim to propel Reese and Cardoso to new heights on the court.
“She’s fiercely competitive,” stated general manager Jeff Pagliocca about Reese, noting her dedication to the game despite a hectic schedule. “Even with her global brand-building endeavors, she prioritizes basketball, continually showing her commitment to becoming the greatest player possible.”
Reese and Clark have significantly impacted the WNBA, drawing unprecedented crowds and ratings while sparking broader discussions about the sport. Their college careers, marked by style and swagger, enthralled spectators as they showcased their talents on the national stage.
Reese finished the season as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, narrowly missing out to Clark. Her impressive stats included an average of 13.6 points per game and a league-record 13.1 rebounds. She set another league record with double-doubles in 15 consecutive games and ended the season with 26 total—more than any rookie before her. However, a wrist injury sidelined her for the season’s final six games, during which she narrowly lost the total rebounds lead to MVP A’ja Wilson.
Reese’s career at Maryland and LSU was largely characterized by success, with her teams losing only 20 games over four seasons. In contrast, the Sky were on a losing streak by the end of last season, dropping 12 of their final 14 games. After a brief win against the Los Angeles Sparks, Reese was injured, sidelining her until next season, which compounded the team’s woes as they lost their next five games.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Reese had an active offseason. She played in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, focusing on expanding her shooting range and evolving into the stretch power forward role envisioned by the Sky. Last season, her shooting percentage was 39%, with limited success from beyond the arc.
Coach Marsh aims to unlock Reese’s full potential, stating, “We want her to be dynamic, to score inside, and have space for one-on-one plays. Putting the ball in her hands at the perimeter will allow her to create and facilitate off the dribble.” Reese admits that her reluctance more than her ability held her back from shooting freely.
Reese’s championship aspirations were evident as she attended the WNBA finals between New York and Minnesota, dressed in a unique outfit representing both teams. Her involvement in the Unrivaled league also bore fruit, with her team Rose BC winning the championship, though she missed the playoffs due to her wrist injury.
Confident in the Sky’s potential, Reese feels optimistic about the upcoming season. “With the right pieces in place, strong veteran presence, and a defined culture, I’m excited for what we can achieve,” she said.