LSU’S Reese must make a quick call on future

Angel Reese has about 48 hours to make a major life decision while processing a stinging loss in her anticipated showdown against Caitlin Clark in the NCAA Tournament, a setback that left the LSU forward in tears while reflecting on the past year since winning the women’s basketball championship.

The six-foot-three Reese was emotional after LSU’S 94-85 loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight on Monday night. She has not given any indication whether she may forgo her final season of college eligibility or enter the WNBA Draft, which is on April 15.

“I’ve been through so much,” the 21-year-old said Monday night as tears ran down her face. “I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time. I’m still a human. All this has happened since I won the national championship. I haven’t had peace since then.”

If this was Reese’s final college game, she put forth a stellar effort in trying to help LSU overcome Clark and Iowa. She injured her ankle in the second quarter and still finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds before fouling out in the final two minutes of the game.

As far as her future plans, she said, “I’ll make a decision when I’m ready.”

Reese is one of the top NIL earners in college with a valuation of US$1.8 million according to On3.com. Many of those deals would turn to endorsements when she joins the WNBA.

Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard has been named the NHL’S rookie of the month for March.

Bedard, from North Vancouver, had four goals and 13 assists in 14 games last month.

Bedard, the first overall pick at the 2023 NHL draft, leads all rookies this season in goals (21), assists (36) and points (57) through 60 appearances despite missing 14 games with a broken jaw.

He was also the NHL rookie of the month in November and December.