LSU basketball standout Angel Reese has officially announced her departure from collegiate athletics to pursue a professional career in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The announcement came via her Instagram account and was further elaborated upon in an exclusive story by Vogue.
Reese’s decision follows LSU’s recent loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, marking the end of her collegiate basketball journey. ESPN reported that Monday’s game, which saw LSU face off against Iowa, became the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history.
Reflecting on her time at LSU, Reese expressed a sense of fulfillment, having achieved numerous accolades including a national championship, SEC Player of the Year honors, and All-American recognition. In her statement to Vogue, Reese articulated her aspiration to become one of the greatest basketball players in history, emphasizing her readiness for the professional stage.
Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, Reese is anticipated to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft scheduled for April 15th. Her impressive skill set and contributions on the court have garnered attention from analysts and scouts alike, solidifying her status as a promising prospect for the professional league.
Notably, Reese played a pivotal role in leading LSU to their first-ever women’s basketball national championship victory last year, culminating in a resounding triumph over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the final. Her performance during the championship game, coupled with her memorable exchange with opponent Caitlin Clark, sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the intensity of competition.
Despite LSU’s loss to Iowa in this year’s Elite Eight, Reese showcased her resilience and talent, delivering a standout performance despite sustaining an ankle injury during the game. With 17 points, 20 rebounds, and a myriad of other contributions, Reese’s impact on the court remained undeniable until the final moments of the game.
Throughout her collegiate career, Reese has consistently demonstrated her prowess as a dominant force in women’s basketball, evidenced by her remarkable streak of double-doubles in the NCAA tournament, which ties a tournament record. Her statistical achievements, combined with her leadership qualities, have cemented her legacy as one of the most formidable players in the collegiate ranks.
Having initially spent two seasons at Maryland before transferring to LSU, Reese leaves behind a lasting legacy at both institutions. Her departure marks the end of an illustrious chapter in collegiate basketball, while simultaneously heralding the beginning of an exciting new journey in the professional realm.
As Reese prepares to transition to the WNBA, she remains grateful for the support of her teammates, coaches, and fans who have stood by her throughout her collegiate career. With her sights set on achieving greatness at the professional level, Reese’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, embodying the spirit of determination, perseverance, and excellence in pursuit of one’s dreams.
Angel Reese’s decision to enter the WNBA draft signifies the culmination of a remarkable collegiate career and the dawn of a promising professional future. As she embarks on the next chapter of her basketball journey, her impact on the sport and her legacy as a trailblazing athlete will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
