Angel Reese Eyes WNBA Redemption - Can the Record-Breaking Rookie Lead Chicago Sky to Victory?

Angel Reese's rookie season in the WNBA shattered expectations, setting records and boosting the league's popularity. But one thing was missing: consistent winning. After an injury cut her year short, Reese is determined to change that narrative as the Chicago Sky prepare for their season opener against the Indiana Fever on May 17. Reese, who finished second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Caitlin Clark, dominated the boards with a league-record 13.1 rebounds per game.She also set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles, finishing with 26 for the season—the most ever by a rookie. Despite her individual success, the Sky struggled, ending the year 13-27 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Chicago Sky underwent significant roster and coaching changes to build a stronger team around Angel Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso. After firing head coach Teresa Weatherspoon following just one season, the team brought in Las Vegas Aces assistant Tyler Marsh to lead the squad. Veteran additions include franchise assist leader Courtney Vandersloot and two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins, acquired from the Washington Mystics. These moves aim to provide leadership and experience to help Reese and Cardoso elevate their games. General manager Jeff Pagliocca praised Angel Reese’s dedication, saying, "She wants to compete, she wants to win, she’s somebody that puts that above everything else. With all the time that she puts into building her brand, she still has proven she puts basketball first." Losing was a new experience for Reese, who had only dropped 20 total games in her college career at Maryland and LSU. Her 2023 NCAA championship run with the Tigers, where she defeated Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team in the final, was a stark contrast to the Sky’s struggles last season. Chicago lost 12 of their final 14 games, including a seven-game skid before Angel Reese suffered a hairline wrist fracture in September. The injury required surgery, sidelining her for the last six games. "Obviously, that left a bad taste in my mouth," she said. During the offseason, Angel Reese focused on extending her range and becoming a more versatile scorer. She shot just 39% from the field last season and made only three of her 16 three-point attempts. Coach Marsh emphasized the need for her to develop into a stretch power forward. "We want her to be dynamic," Marsh said. "We want her to be able to score inside and create space. We also want to put the ball in her hands on the perimeter and let her facilitate." Reese admitted her hesitation was more mental than skill-based. "I always just tell myself if I work out and make the shots, I might as well take them in the game," she said. Reese got a glimpse of the WNBA’s highest stage when she attended Game 5 of the finals between New York and Minnesota, wearing a split Liberty-Lynx jersey. She also competed in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, leading her team, Rose BC, to a championship before re-injuring her wrist. Now fully healthy, Reese is optimistic about the Sky’s revamped roster. "I think we have the right pieces this year," she said. "We have great veteran leadership and coaches who are building the culture from the beginning. I’m excited." With Reese’s relentless drive and Chicago’s offseason upgrades, the Sky are looking to turn last season’s struggles into a winning formula in 2025.(H/t: Hindustan Times)