Las Vegas Aces star and WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson praised Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, comparing her to her younger self. The Wall Street Journal featured both players in a recent report where they discussed their careers and the league’s growth in the past year.
Wilson admitted to following Reese throughout her college career, citing a personal connection through a mutual friend who coached her. She noted similarities in their playing styles and work ethic, acknowledging Reese’s relentless motor on the court.
Wilson highlighted Reese’s impressive stats, including averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, ranking first in the WNBA. Wilson herself boasted impressive numbers with 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky battle for a rebound (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Reese, a former LSU national champion, was drafted by the Chicago Sky as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Her rivalry with Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has garnered attention and boosted viewership for the league.
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Wilson reacts to WNBA’s rising popularity
Wilson addressed criticisms of the WSJ article for underscoring Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league’s popularity. Despite the oversight, Wilson expressed enjoyment at the increased attention on the league and its players.
She emphasized the league’s growth and hoped for sustained interest and investment in players and teams beyond basketball alone. Wilson spoke about the fun she’s had playing in the league, especially during the current season.
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Sky star Angel Reese shares how she handles comparisons to Fever’s Caitlin Clark
Despite winning the 2024 WNBA MVP unanimously, Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces fell short in the semifinals to the New York Liberty. New York seeks their first ever championship as they battle the Minnesota Lynx in the finals.
As of now, New York is tied 2-2 in the best-of-five series, with the decisive fifth game scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20th, at 8:00 PM ET.