NOW CONFIRMED:Angel Reese of Louisiana State University (LSU) has been named to he midseason top 25 watchlist for the John R. Wooden Award, recognizing her as one of the nation’s top college basketball players. This acknowledgment highlights her exceptional performance and dominance on the…

Angel Reese, often referred to as “Bayou Barbie” and “Chi Barbie,” has rapidly ascended the ranks of women’s basketball, showcasing exceptional talent and resilience. Born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, Reese’s journey from high school prodigy to WNBA star is a testament to her dedication and prowess on the court.

Early Life and High School Career

Reese attended Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, where she quickly made a name for herself as a formidable presence on the basketball court. Her high school career culminated in being honored as a McDonald’s All-American in 2020, and she was ranked the number two player in her class by ESPN. This recognition set the stage for her transition to collegiate basketball.

Collegiate Career

Maryland Terrapins

Reese began her college career with the Maryland Terrapins, joining as the highest-ranked recruit in the program’s history. However, her freshman season in 2020-21 was interrupted by a fractured right foot, limiting her playing time. Despite this setback, she demonstrated resilience and returned stronger, earning third-team All-American honors by the Associated Press as a sophomore.

LSU Tigers

Seeking a fresh start, Reese transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) for her junior season. Under the guidance of Coach Kim Mulkey, Reese flourished, becoming a unanimous first-team All-American selection. She played a pivotal role in leading LSU to its first national championship in 2023, earning the Most Outstanding Player award for her performance. During this season, she set the NCAA single-season record for double-doubles and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) single-season record for rebounds. Her senior year saw continued excellence, as she was named SEC Player of the Year and secured All-American honors once again.

Professional Career

WNBA

In the 2024 WNBA Draft, Reese was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky. She made an immediate impact in her rookie season, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. Her rebounding prowess led the league, and she was honored with a selection to the WNBA All-Star Game and named to the All-Rookie Team. Notably, Reese set a league single-season record for rebounds, underscoring her dominance on the boards.

Unrivaled League

Expanding her horizons, Reese joined the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a women’s 3×3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Playing for Rose BC, she debuted on January 17, 2025, and quickly made history by recording the league’s first 20-20 game, with 22 points and 21 rebounds.

Recent Developments

Reese’s influence extends beyond her on-court performances. She has been vocal about player rights, recently indicating that WNBA players might consider striking if their salary demands are not met. This stance highlights the growing conversation around compensation and conditions in women’s professional sports.

Additionally, Reese has expressed interest in potentially teaming up with fellow WNBA star Caitlin Clark in the future, a prospect that has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike.

Conclusion

Angel Reese’s journey from a high school standout to a professional basketball star is marked by perseverance, talent, and a relentless drive to excel. Her contributions to the sport continue to inspire, and her future in basketball looks exceptionally promising.