"She was so lazy in high school" - Sam Cassell is incredibly proud of the growth made by Angel Reese

There’s no denying that Angel Reese hasn't taken long to establish herself as one of the most electrifying players in the WNBA. In addition to playing a pivotal role in elevating the league’s profile and profitability, the Chicago Sky rookie had already shown glimpses of becoming one of the all-time great rebounders and defensive anchors in league history.

Like many others, even Sam Cassell , who hails from Baltimore, takes incredible pride in seeing another athlete from his hometown achieve unprecedented success. However, what most satisfies the three-time NBA Champion is witnessing how diligently Angel has worked on both ends of the court.

Reese has constantly upped her game

Reese first started making a name for herself back in high school at St. Francis Academy in Baltimore. She started impressing fans right from the time when she acquired a place in the starting lineup midway through her freshman year and averaged a double-double. By her sophomore campaign, those averages had improved to 17.6 points and 12.1 rebounds. Eventually, in her junior season, she averaged 22.6 points and 19.3 rebounds per game.

Clearly, Reese was on a different level compared to other players of her age. However, as Cassell shared on the ‘Come Talk 2 Me’ podcast, what frustrated him the most was watching how ‘Bayou Barbie’ wasn’t fully utilizing her strengths. He emphasized how despite being dominant, Reese lacked the determination to fully commit herself on both ends of the floor.

"Just watching her grow up through the ranks in Baltimore High School and seeing her now play the game of basketball, I thought she was so lazy in high school because she was so much better than anyone," Cassell said . "Sometimes she’d miss a layup, get a rebound, (and) miss another layup. Another team get the ball and she wouldn't run back down court."

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Cassell is impressed by Reese improving her game

Moreover while delving deep into Angel’s growth, particularly after she earned her first All-Star selection in her rookie season, where she averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, Cassell expressed his pride and utmost respect for the 6’3” forward.

"Seeing her play in the WNBA right now, it's been joy to me, seeing her play, it's like, Wow! We got another from our town that’s doing that’s doing something positive and making it, " Sam added. "I have nothing but respect for her."

While Reese still has plenty to achieve in order to be considered among the greatest athletes to emerge from Baltimore, it is evident that she has the support and backing of stars like Sam I Am whenever he finds herself in a rough spot.

Related: Sam Cassell isn't discouraged about not yet getting a head coaching job: "I'm not gonna give up till I get it"