Reese arrives in Chicago ready to be marketable
The Sky is hoping its new draft class can push the team to new levels of popularity.
But Angel Reese's introduction Wednesday was a relatively low-key event, held on the practice court at Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield.
There isn't much time for players to transition from the end of college to their initial WNBA season, so a quiet start seems appropriate.
“It's been crazy and I really haven't been able to take a deep breath about it, but I'm ready and I think I've been in moments like this before,” Reese said.
“Coming in as a rookie, being able to learn and grow and be a sponge. But also I want to dominate and I'm super competitive, so I want this team to go amazing places. I came to Chicago to leave an impact, so I'm excited.”
Reese and several others from the 2024 draft class built plenty of star power in college. The WNBA probably hasn't had enough players who embraced using their celebrity to boost the league's profile. Reese is on board with doing her part.
“I know I have a lot of attention behind me, but I am still a rookie, I am still 21,” she said. “I think it was a really historic class. Us continuing to do what we do and not only be who we are off the court, but on the court as well, I think is going to continue to grow (the sport).”
The Sky will be relying on rookies as much as any team this season. It not only chose Reese with the No. 7 overall draft pick but also former SEC rival 6-7 center Kamilla Cardoso at No. 3.
Cardoso has yet to arrive in Chicago but held a Zoom call with reporters.
“I think we're going to do great things together,” Cardoso said of new teammate Reese.
The Sky also introduced its third draft pick, Gonzaga sharpshooter Brynna Maxwell, who said she patterned her game in part by watching former Sky guard Allie Quigley.
Reese gained fame by playing at LSU, but she's actually from the Baltimore area and began college at Maryland. So moving to Chicago won't necessarily be a huge adjustment. She grew up a fan of Naperville native Candace Parker.
“Being able to be marketable is always something I've loved to do,” she said. “I love to model when I'm not playing basketball. Of course one day I want to start a brand. I wear hair a lot, wear lashes and do my nails. Hopefully one day I can open up a business. Let me get accommodated to the city first.”
Reese also has a vision for her future WNBA self. Since the Sky has a couple of bigs in Cardoso and veteran Elizabeth Williams, Reese has her sights set on moving her game outside.
“I like watching big guards,” the 6-foot-3 Reese said. “That's what I want to be able to get my game to, being able to be a big guard, point forward.”
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