Rookie Reese in Tears: Bags WNBA All-Star Spot!

Rookie Reese in Tears: Bags WNBA All-Star Spot!

3 minute read
Published: 7/3/2024

After extending her double-double streak to 11 and an emotional post-game celebration, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky was named a WNBA All-Star, proving doubters from college wrong with tears of joy.

Angel Reese's journey from college underdog to WNBA All-Star reached a pinnacle when she secured her spot in this year's star-studded lineup. Receiving the news after a triumphant 85-77 victory over the Atlanta Dream, where she notched another double-double, Reese could hardly contain her emotions. Her hard work and impressive stats, including a June average of 14.5 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, have silenced critics and garnered her Rookie of the Month honors. Now, alongside fellow first-timer Caitlin Clark, Reese is ready to shine on the All-Star stage and prove her doubters wrong.

Reese was emotional and shed tears of joy upon learning about her All-Star selection. 'I'm just so happy. 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,' she said, visibly moved. It’s a moment of sweet vindication for the seventh pick in the WNBA draft. Perhaps now, her skeptics will be looking for new hobbies.

The timing of the announcement couldn't have been more perfect. Reese received the news immediately following Chicago Sky's 85-77 victory over the Atlanta Dream. That night, she extended her double-double streak to an impressive 11 games, recording 12 points and 19 rebounds. This performance was a continuation of her exceptional rise in the league. It seems Reese's game is on a double-double mission, and she's unstoppable!

Reese's stats in June were nothing short of remarkable. She averaged 14.5 points per game, 13.2 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game, which earned her the accolade of Rookie of the Month. Over the season, she has been consistently averaging 13.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Her relentless energy on the court could probably make the Energizer Bunny jealous.

Joining Reese in the All-Star lineup is fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, making them the only first-time All-Stars on the squad. Their performances this season have stood out, and their inclusion in the All-Star game is well-deserved. Both players share an on-court rivalry that began during the 2023 NCAA Tournament and has continued into their professional careers. Looks like the All-Star game might need some extra referees on standby; these two are ready to light up the court!

The 2024 WNBA All-Star game, scheduled for July 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET, will take place at the Footprint Center in Phoenix and will air on ABC. Both Reese and Clark are set to headline the 12-player All-Star team, adding a layer of excitement for fans eager to watch the new talent on display—it’s bound to be a showstopper that might just rival your favorite drama series!

Despite their impressive performances, both Reese and Clark were notably snubbed for spots on the U.S. Olympic roster. This exclusion has only fueled their determination to prove their worth in the league. Their rivalry and camaraderie will undoubtedly add an intriguing subplot to the All-Star game. Seriously, though, you'd think their double-doubles were just a warm-up act for the main event!

For Reese, being named an All-Star is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her journey from being doubted in college to becoming one of the WNBA's standout rookies is a story of overcoming adversity and staying true to her potential. As she prepares to showcase her talents alongside the league's best, Reese’s story continues to inspire. Her doubters? Well, they're probably somewhere trying to figure out how to hit a free throw.