Angel Reese made it clear why she plays basketball . During the Chicago Sky's pregame media availability session on Tuesday, hours before becoming an All-Star as a rookie, Reese fielded questions from reporters as mandated by the WNBA. However, during her session, a young girl was able to make her way to where Reese was situated and asked the rising star about what motivates her to play the way she does.
Speaking to the girl, Reese looked her in the eye and explained that seeing little girls around the world and how they looked up to her is what drives the 22-year-old to play hard every game. "Girls like you," Reese shared with the young fan .
"Little girls that look up to me. Being able to wake up every day and know that little eyes are watching me. I hope that one day, you can do what I'm doing. I know you're wearing my shirt. But just being able to be hands-on with you, if you ever need anything and just being there for you guys and being a good example."
READ MORE: WNBA All-Star Game 2024 rosters - Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese among key takeaways
READ MORE: Angel Reese's record-breaking WNBA feat backs up her Caitlin Clark clarification
Reese's play as of late is an example of making a mark early in a player's rookie season. The Sky's star made history , recording an 11th consecutive double-double on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Dream. WNBA legend Candace Parker held the record prior, with nine back in 2015.
With how effectively she has played to start her career, Reese had been in the conversation for a potential All-Star Game spot. The 22-year-old shared just what it would mean to her if she was selected to an All-Star team in just her first season.
"It would mean everything to me to be an All-Star," Reese told reporters before the Sky's matchup with the Atlanta Dream. "Obviously I’m focused on what’s right now, but coming into the league and just being mentally in a state where I’m just trying to have fun, I’m trying to grow and let everything else work itself out. So obviously it would be a blessing for me, but I’m focused on right now."
READ MORE: Darren Waller makes Kelsey Plum divorce admission after retiring from NFL
And focusing on the present helped Reese immensely, as after defeating the Dream on Tuesday, she was told she had made the team. A tearful Reese then explained to the media what was going through her mind as she accepted the honor, one she had been working toward, despite being a rookie just months into her career.
" They just told me I’m an All-Star and I mean I’m just so happy," an emotional Reese shared . " I know the work I put in, coming into this league, so many people doubted me and didn’t think my game would translate and I wouldn’t be the player that I was in college or would be better, or would be worse.
"I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now without trusting the process and I believed. I’m thankful I dropped to 7 and was able to come to Chicago. It’s just a blessing. I can’t thank my teammates and my coaches enough for just believing in me and trusting me. I know all of them are going to come to Phoenix and support me so I’m really happy right now."
Now that she's headed to Phoenix with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark , Reese has outperformed all expectations set upon her as the No. 7 pick in the draft. As her rookie season has shown, Reese is a resilient player, capable of great things night and night out. The 2024 WNBA All-Star is set to be played on July 20.
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0