Angel Reese Gets a Brutal Reality Check From the WNBA Legend Who Prompted Her Draft Plans

We know the confidence Angel Reese oozes. Be it reminding everyone that W’s growth doesn’t rely on one individual or clapping back at fans for mocking her performance, the Chi-Town Barbie isn’t letting anyone get to her. But even the same Reese, who had stood strong with “Do you realize I got drafted seventh in my class while ‘missing layups’ as a ROOKIE shooting 39% on the year and was STILL an All-Star and that was the worst you’ll ever see me?” needs some show of support and confidence.

Lisa Leslie, one of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball history, didn’t just inspire Reese. In fact, she played a direct role in her decision to turn pro. In a recent episode of Unapologetically Angel, Reese revealed that Leslie had personally called her before the draft. Giving her the confidence to take the leap. “I don’t think anybody knew I was entering the draft,” Reese said, “but I remember you called me and were like, ‘You are ready for the WNBA. No matter what anybody tells you, you will play in the WNBA and you will succeed.’”

Coming from a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the greatest to ever do it, that meant everything. Reese didn’t have many pro mentors growing up, so hearing those words from Leslie wasn’t just motivation—it was proof she could make it.

Fast forward to now, and their connection has only gotten stronger. Back in January, Reese trained with Leslie and Napheesa Collier at Unrivaled, getting hands-on lessons from one of the best post players in history. And when they sat down for their recent interview, Leslie didn’t sugarcoat what Reese needs to work on: finishing at the rim. “The biggest advice I have for you is going to be how you shoot your layups, period,” Leslie suggested. “We’re going to fix that. That’s fixable for you,” Leslie told her.

Reese has already built a reputation as a dominant rebounder, but her shooting troubles clearly weren’t lost on the former W champion. Averaging 39% from the field, 18% from beyond the arc, and 73.6% from the free throw line, the Sky star has received a word on the same from the likes of Sue Bird and Dwyane Wade as well. So Reese is clear on her goals now and she is going to have more than a little help on the matter.

Chicago Sky’s new HC, Tyler Marsh has made it clear that the team’s focus for the upcoming season is going to be ‘shooting’. He stated, “Shooting. We want shooting and lots of it.” He’s largely been known for player development in the same aspect, so there’s no escape for Reese. She is locked in and Leslie can rest assured. 

Angel Reese is already on the move

As the Chicago Sky rookie prepares for her second WNBA season, she’s putting in the work to elevate her game, and she’s doing it alongside some of the best in the business.

A video from Unrivaled’s X account shows Reese teaming up with WNBA legend Lisa Leslie and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier to refine her skills. The clip, captioned “Only at Unrivaled 😈,” features Reese and Collier draining jump shots before Leslie steps in to teach them some post moves.

She was also seen draining some 3s, something she is seemingly being consistent about, considering the same moves made waves back in November too. It has been the goal this off season for the Chi-Town Barbie and it has got not a lot to do with skills as much as it does with confidence.  “I know I can hit the shots, but it’s just going into it with that mindset, like: ‘It’s OK if you missed the first shot. Take the second. If you missed the second, take the third,” she had said.

Championship is on Reese’s mind, but individual development becomes the need of the hour.