LSU Basketball Sensation Angel Reese Enters WNBA Draft in Style: Embracing the Spotlight

LSU Star Angel Reese Declares for WNBA Draft In Vogue Shoot

Angel Reese Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese, one of the biggest stars in college basketball, has decided to go pro. Known for her outspoken and trailblazing style on the court, the player nicknamed Bayou Barbie, announced her declaration for the WNBA Draft on Wednesday, April 3. Keeping true to her unique style, Angel made the announcement through a photo shoot featured in Vogue.

Reese, 21, shared with Vogue that she enjoys doing things on a grand scale and avoids anything ordinary. During her time in college, Reese achieved numerous accomplishments. She won the 2023 national championship with the Tigers, received two first-team All-American honors, and was named the SEC Player of the Year.

Reese has been a trailblazer in women's basketball, leading the way in the name, image, and likeness era of college sports. This new era allows student-athletes to benefit financially from their popularity, something that was previously unheard of. She has secured endorsement deals with major companies like Goldman Sachs, Reebok, and AirBnb, a feat that was once unimaginable in college athletics.

Expressing her satisfaction with her college achievements, Reese stated, "I've accomplished everything I set out to do in college. From winning a national championship to earning SEC Player of the Year and being recognized as an All-American. My ultimate aspiration is to turn professional and become one of the greatest basketball players ever. I believe I am prepared for this next step."

LSU Star Angel Reese Declares for WNBA Draft In Vogue Shoot

Angel Reese Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images

Being a successful African American woman athlete, however, also means Reese has had to deal with increased scrutiny. She was the center of controversy last year when her trash-talking and “you can’t see me” gesture took center stage during the national championship game. The moment highlighted the double standard that Black athletes face, as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark did not receive the same backlash for making the same gesture in a previous game.

“Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her. Y’all don’t know Angel Reese,” her teammate Flau’jae Johnson said after the Tigers’ NCAA Tournament Elite Eight loss to Iowa on Monday. “I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy. She’s the type of teammate that’s going to make you believe in yourself.”

Clark and Reese were the driving force behind the most-watched women's college basketball game of all time, with an average of 12.3 million viewers and peaking at 16.1 million. Their star power, along with other talented players, has contributed to the ongoing surge in popularity of the WNBA.

It is highly likely that Clark will be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 15 in Brooklyn, while Reese is also expected to be selected in the first round.

Editor's P/S:

Angel Reese's decision to enter the WNBA Draft is a testament to her talent and ambition. As one of the most dominant players in college basketball, she has achieved remarkable success, including a national championship and numerous accolades. Her outspoken style and trailblazing spirit have made her a role model for young athletes, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Reese's experience as a successful African American woman athlete highlights the double standards that Black athletes often face. Her trash-talking and "you can't see me" gesture during the national championship game drew criticism, while a similar gesture by a white athlete did not. This underscores the need for continued progress in addressing racial bias in sports and society as a whole. Reese's journey serves as an inspiration for all athletes to embrace their individuality and strive for greatness, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.