Angel Reese has been incredibly busy since leaving LSU. She took the WNBA by storm, making her first All-Star team and breaking several records as a rookie, became one of the stars headlining Unrivaled, and won the inaugural Unrivaled championship.
Reese may have missed the last few Unrivaled games with a wrist injury, but she was still crucial to the Rose‘s success. Averaging 13.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over 14 regular season games, Reese was one of the Rose’s top offensive producers. She also made an impact defensively, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Rose’s other top player was Finals MVP Chelsea Gray, and the veteran had plenty of praise for her younger teammate when she appeared on A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.
Chelsea Gray praised Angel Reese’s hard work and improvement
Despite having a rather successful rookie season, Angel Reese still had plenty to work on. The one thing she continues to be criticized for is her inside game and lack of scoring efficiency. That may soon be a thing of the past. Reese looked great in Unrivaled, especially towards the end of the season.
Chelsea Gray also noted Reese’s progress when Megan Rapinoe asked her about her role as a veteran and mentor with the Rose Basketball Club.
“She stays after late, she gets shots up…you saw her progressively get better,” Gray said about Reese. “I would like to think that part of it was playing with me, but I’m never going to be the one to take credit for that. But, man, it takes time to build chemistry with someone, but when I say you’re seeing up close and personal her rebounding and how she has a knack for the ball, it’s actually pretty crazy.”
Most of Reese’s improvement can be attributed to her hard work, including practicing with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, but the youngster also clearly benefited from playing with a veteran point guard like Gray. That fact should encourage Sky fans.
The Sky had a busy offseason, trying to build a more competitive team around Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. One of the players they brought in is Courtney Vandersloot. Vandersloot had a down year with the New York Liberty, as her role changed significantly, but was one of the top playmakers available this offseason. She should have a similar impact on Reese as Gray did in Unrivaled.
Unless her wrist injury holds her back, Sky fans should expect a big season from Reese this year.