Angel Reese is proving time and again that she can beat the odds.
After a standout career with the University of Maryland, where she made the All-Big First-Team and was on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, the 6-foot-3 power forward joined the LSU Tigers in 2022. There, she clinched the NCAA championship, outshining Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, and earned the title of NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Reese was also recognized as a three-time All-American during her time at both schools.
In a rematch against Clark’s Iowa team, Reese’s Tigers were knocked out in the 2024 Elite Eight. Shortly thereafter, she declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft. Amidst speculation about her transition to the pro level, Reese was selected as the second pick by the Chicago Sky, landing at No. 7 overall. The Sky also took South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso with the third pick.
Reese wasted no time in proving her critics wrong upon joining the Sky. The 22-year-old quickly earned an All-Star nod, alongside Clark, making them the first pair of rookies to achieve this recognition in a decade.
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During an episode of “First Take” shot in Chicago, Stephen A. Smith confidently declared Reese as a frontrunner for this season’s WNBA Rookie of the Year over Clark.
“Angel Reese … she might just be Rookie of the Year. She’s a force! She’s averaging a double-double every night,” Smith praised.
Through her first 24 games with a struggling 10-14 Sky team, Reese is averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Currently, the Sky hold the No. 8 seed, which is quite a win for a team in rebuild mode.
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Earlier this season, Reese showcased her elite rebounding skills, achieving an impressive 15 consecutive double-doubles from June 4 to July 11.
Clark has also made a strong start, with averages of 17.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in her first 26 games with the Indiana Fever, who are currently 11-15, just ahead of the Sky.
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It’s shaping up to be a close race for Rookie of the Year between Reese and Clark. Both players are making significant contributions to their teams and have shown remarkable development since the start of the season. The (ahem) Sky is truly the limit for both.
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