Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell has shared that Angel Reese was "lazy" during her high school years, having observed the WNBA superstar's rise from her early days on the basketball court.
The Chicago Sky power forward gained recognition during her record-breaking collegiate years at LSU, clinching the NCAA championship in 2023.
After being chosen as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, she made a remarkable transition to the professional game. In an unforgettable rookie season , the 22 year old averaged 3.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game before her season was cut short by a wrist injury.
However, Maryland coach Cassell has now suggested that Reese's commitment to her craft wasn't always as strong as it has been in recent years.
Discussing her time playing at St. Frances Academy, he confessed on the Come And Talk 2 Me podcast: "I thought she was so lazy in high school because she was so much better than anyone. Sometimes she'd miss a layup, get a rebound, (and) miss another layup. The other team got the ball and she wouldn't run back down court."
Nevertheless, it's clear that the Boston assistant feels a sense of pride after watching the Maryland-born youngster become a household name.
Speaking about the father of the Sky fan favourite, he added: "Michael Reese was a real real good basketball player. He could play, he was a very very good player you know, had some fallouts you know what I am saying, with addiction. But he is getting himself back together now."
Despite impressing in her rookie season, Reese's spirited efforts weren't enough to save head coach Teresa Weatherspoon's job.
The 58-year-old was let go after the team failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Expressing her sadness over Weatherspoon's dismissal, the young player posted: "I'm literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me.
"Many don't even know what it's like to be a black women in sports when nobody believes in you. You had a tough job. All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year and when your back was against the wall, you always believed. I came to Chicago because of YOU. You were an unsung hero in my life."
Reese shared: "We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever. I'll never question God why he brings people in my life and takes them away from me in the capacity that I need them but I've always believed everyone is in your life for a reason and a season. You were the best reason and season. You didn't deserve this but I can't thank you enough. I love you Tspoon."
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Local News
Comments / 0