NCAA
What are the top potential landing spots for Angel Reese in the WNBA?
With the announcement that Angel Reese will be in the WNBA draft, we take a look at the top potential landing spots for the Bayou Barbie.
Although it came as a surprise to few, Angel Reese’s decision to declare for the WNBA draft was eyebrow raising for the way that it was revealed. Less than two days after the Lady Tigers’ loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament, Reese let it slip during a Vogue photo shoot that she had already decided some time ago to set her sights on the WNBA next year.
“Of course, I like to do everything big,” said Reese to the fashion magazine. “I didn’t want anything to be basic. I’ve done everything I wanted to in college. I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro, and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”
Like much of her college career, Reese will be forever tied to Caitlin Clark in the media and public’s eye as the draft approaches. Clark is expected to go first overall, that is without dispute. But just how far down the list after Clark Reese will have to wait to hear her name is sure to be a massive talking point.
Much of the public’s opinion of Reese stems from the John Cena-style “you can’t see me” gesture she made toward Clark in last year’s March Madness final. With howls of derision aimed at Reese over the gesture, one that Clark herself made to an opponent just two games prior, there was more than a hint of racism about the affair. Reese, an African American, was slammed as “classless” and “ghetto,” while Clark, who is Caucasian, saw her gesture go largely unnoticed by the media.
Much of America’s heartland, particularly around Iowa, screamed for Reese to be somehow censured, while Louisiana as a whole rallied around Reese. Two points are noteworthy: that Reese was supported by both races in Louisiana, and that Clark herself actually defended Reese’s gesture.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all. No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did. I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk. It’s not just me and Angel. I don’t think she should be criticized, like I said. LSU deserves it. They played so well. Like I said, I’m a big fan of hers.”
Beyond the controversy, Reese’s NCAA career will be remembered as a great one. She was named SEC Player of the Year last month, was a unanimous first-team All-American last season, and she leaves with the NCAA record for single-season double-doubles with 34.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey said in a statement, “Angel transferred to LSU after my first season in Baton Rouge and she helped transform our program. When she came here, she said she wanted to be here for two seasons and she has lived up to that. What a remarkable two years it has been. We are all indebted to Angel Reese for the contributions she has given to this program, helping us win our first National Championship, and the contributions she made on our university as a whole. She not only helped grow our program but had an impact on growing the game of women’s basketball across the country. We wish her good luck as she moves to the WNBA and look forward to see all that she accomplishes. We will miss her but will always cherish the two year’s we got to spend with her. Forever LSU.”
In 69 career games in Baton Rouge, Angel Reese averaged 20.9 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while compiling 61 double-doubles in all; second only to legend Sylvia Fowles in LSU history.
One of the biggest stars in college basketball, Reese said, “I want to start at the bottom again. I want to be a rookie again and build myself back up; I want to be knocked down and learn and grow at the next level.” Reese seems earnest when she adds, “I’ll be working with grown women. I’ll be working with women that have kids, women that have a family to feed. I’m going to have to work my butt off every single day and grind. And who wouldn’t want that? I don’t want anything in my life to be easy.”
Bayou Barbie is one of the players who has made big NIL money. She has deals with Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Goldman Sachs.
The top predicted landing spots for Angel Reese in the WNBA are:
Los Angeles Sparks
This is a strong possibility with the Sparks owning the second overall pick and the fourth overall. Clark is expected to go to Indiana with the first pick and Los Angeles could follow that up with Reese.
Chicago Sky
Should the Sparks opt to pivot elsewhere with their pick, Chicago has the third overall and could snap Reese up before LA get a second look.
Dallas Wings
The Wings would be in with a shout if both Los Angeles and Chicago decide to go with a different toolset in their picks. Granted it is a low percentage possibility, but anything is possible and Dallas, with the fifth overall would not bypass the chance.
Washington Mystics
Should she get this far in the draft, it seems unthinkable that the Mystics would pass on the opportunity to take Reese with their sixth overall pick.
Minnesota Lynx
This is the longest shot that we could imagine. If Angel Reese is not snapped up by anyone before here, and we could see how other priorities could make that slip happen, then they Lynx will bite her hand off to get their hands on her.