Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese had nothing short of a spectacular rookie season.
A defensive and rebounding stalwart for the Sky, Reese finished her first season in Chicago with an average of 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She broke the league's records for the most consecutive double-doubles and double-doubles by a rookie. Her record-breaking rookie season was highlighted by a 25-point, 16-rebound performance in a close win over the Indiana Fever, which saw her dominate from the paint as he hit close shot after close shot over Indiana's interior defenders.
The All-Rookie forward revealed her biggest priorities for the offseason, including her footwork in the post and continuing to get stronger, during her exit interview in September. Reese's strength and rebounding prowess, along with the addition of center Kamilla Cardoso, were welcomed additions to a Sky squad that ranked ninth in rebounds per game in 2023 and sixth the year before. Chicago tied with the WNBA Champion New York Liberty at the top spot in the league last season with 36.6 rebounds per game. Led by the rookie big duo, they placed ahead of the Dallas Wings with a league-leading 10.9 offensive rebounds per game.
The Sky hired head coach Tyler Marsh in early November. The former player development coach was joined by former WNBA center and Oklahoma legend Courtney Paris, who was brought on as an assistant coach on Wednesday. The two will be tasked with further developing Chicago's high potential big duo, along with the two options it could add in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Outside Shooting
Being the best shooter one can be starts with one simple thing: confidence.
"I think this offseason is going to be about confidence for me," Reese said during her exit interview in September. "I know I can hit the shots, but it's just going into the mindset of 'it's ok to miss the first shot. Being able to take the second. If you miss the second shot, take the third.'
"I'm excited for this offseason. I'm excited to continue to grow my game and be better."
Reese showed some confidence from the mid-range and beyond during her All-Star rookie season. Though she sparsely shot from outside of the paint, her confidence and form from the mid-range and 3-point line improved as the season progressed. Reese had attempted just 32 3-point attempts during her incredible four-year collegiate career with Maryland and LSU. She reached half of that mark by the end of her rookie season.
She hit her first 3-point shot in a Chicago Sky uniform in a close win over the Seattle Storm. She drilled a shot from the right corner over forward Nneka Ogwumike just seconds before the second quarter came to a close. She would hit two 3-pointers that night, including a pull-up jumper off the dribble by the top of the key. She hit 14 of her 46 mid-range attempts last season, where she found some success with hook shots and tries off the dribble.
The Sky as a whole finished with a 32.3% clip from the 3-point line, putting them just behind the Wings for ninth place in the WNBA. On a Sky team in need of shooting help, Reese's progression as an outside shooter and someone who can create her own long-range chances with her back to the basket will be of utmost importance heading into next season.
Efficiency on the inside
Reese mentioned her footwork around the basket and finishing through contact as one of the areas she wanted to improve most during her exit interview. She finished the 2024 season with a 47% mark from the restricted area, putting her just over 8% behind Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington for the worst mark in the league for those with four attempts or more per game. Her 44.5% from less than five feet further illustrated her need to improve her efficiency from beneath the basket.
Reese proved she could roll with the best of them on the defensive end during her first season with the Sky, but must improve her shooting efficiency before she can take her game to the next level. She flashed signs of efficient scoring during her rookie season, including in a 27-point outing against the Storm that saw her hit both of her 3-point attempts. She showed confidence in the mid-range and off the pick and roll as she reached her season-high in scoring that night. Her strength helped her tack on points from driving layups, while her improved jumper allowed her to hit three attempts outside of the paint.