Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s rookie sensation, has made an immediate impact in the WNBA, translating her collegiate success to the professional level. A month into the season, Reese has consistently demonstrated the skills that earned her the nickname “Ms. Double-Double Queen” at LSU, a moniker bestowed by WNBA legend Sylvia Fowles. Her performance so far has led to led CBS Sports’ latest rookie ranking.
Historic Start
Reese’s start in the WNBA has been nothing short of historic. This past week, she became the first player this season to record consecutive double-doubles with five-plus steals. In her first 10 games, Reese has already tallied four double-doubles and narrowly missed several more. She is averaging 11.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and a team-high 1.9 steals per game, despite some early struggles with finishing around the basket.
Advice from a Veteran
After a hard-fought game against the Atlanta Dream, where Reese posted 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and five steals, she received valuable advice from veteran center Tina Charles. Charles, who ranks second in WNBA history for double-doubles, praised Reese and advised her to be patient when finishing around the basket. This mentorship underscores the respect and high expectations for Reese in the league.
Collegiate Success
Reese’s collegiate career at LSU was marked by dominant performances and historic achievements. She led LSU to its first NCAA basketball title in 2023, averaging 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, and setting an NCAA single-season record with 34 double-doubles. Her rivalry with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, another standout from the 2023 NCAA tournament, has carried over into the WNBA, adding an extra layer of excitement to their matchups.
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— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 8, 2024
Angel Reese Upcoming Matchup
This Sunday, Angel Reese and the Sky will face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Clark, who was the second overall pick in the draft behind Reese, helped lead Iowa to victory over LSU in the 2024 Elite Eight, intensifying their on-court rivalry. The game will also feature Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso, who played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s championship win against Iowa and was the third overall pick in the draft.
Building for the Future
Reese is optimistic about the future, both for herself and for her team. She has expressed excitement about growing alongside her teammate, Cardoso, who recently made her rookie debut. “Our duo is something that’s going to be here for a while and here to stay,” Angel Reese said. “I’m excited for our growth and I’m just happy for us.”
Looking Ahead to Angel Reese
The Sky will be looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Fever in their upcoming game, which will be broadcast on CBS at noon ET. Fans are eagerly anticipating the renewed rivalry between Reese and Clark, as both continue to make their mark in the WNBA. Reese’s historic start has set high expectations, and her journey this season is poised to be a thrilling storyline for basketball enthusiasts.
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