NCAA women’s basketball star Angel Reese has declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, feeling that she has achieved everything she can at the collegiate level. The 21-year-old forward from Louisiana State University cited tennis legend Serena Williams as an inspiration, emphasizing her readiness to take her career to the professional level. Reese, who has won a national championship, received the SEC Player of the Year award, and has been named an All-American, expressed her desire to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Following her last college game in the Elite Eight of the women’s tournament against Iowa, where LSU lost 94-87, Reese reflected on her decision to declare for the draft. She had an impressive showing in the game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 20 rebounds. The highly-anticipated matchup drew historic ratings, with 12.3 million viewers tuning in, making it the most-watched women’s college basketball game in history. FanDuel also reported that the game was its largest betting event for women’s sports.
During an emotional press conference after the tournament loss, Reese revealed that she had been receiving death threats since LSU beat Iowa last year for the championship. The backlash stemmed from a gesture she made towards Iowa star guard Caitlin Clark during the game. Despite facing significant adversity and abuse, Reese remained resilient, stating that she is unapologetically herself and is determined to leave her mark on the basketball world. She emphasized her strength and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Despite having one year of college eligibility left, Reese decided to forego her final year and enter the WNBA draft. She acknowledged that the transition to professional basketball may come with its challenges, such as adjusting to a potentially different level of resources compared to her time at LSU. Reese expressed confidence in her abilities and readiness to take on the new chapter in her basketball career. Reese’s representatives were not immediately available for comment following her declaration for the draft.
Reese’s decision to enter the WNBA draft signals a significant milestone in her basketball journey, as she sets her sights on becoming one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. With a successful college career highlighted by numerous accolades and achievements, Reese’s decision to pursue a professional career reflects her ambition and determination to continue excelling in basketball. Despite facing adversity and backlash, Reese’s resilience and commitment to being true to herself have been central themes in her journey towards reaching the pinnacle of women’s basketball. As she prepares to embark on the next phase of her career, Reese’s decision to enter the WNBA draft marks an exciting new chapter in her basketball legacy.
