LSU’s Reese declares for WNBA draft
Bayou Barbie is WNBA bound.
LSU star Angel Reese, who is known for her eyelash extensions, painted fingernails and ferocious play in the paint, formally declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday. Her announcement comes two days after the Tigers’ season ended with a loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Reese, whose career interests also include modeling and fashion, announced her decision via a photo shoot in Vogue, saying she was inspired by tennis great Serena Williams announcing her retirement in 2022 in a similar manner.
Up until LSU’s season ended, Reese publicly left open the option of returning to the Tigers. But she acknowledged having made up her mind to turn pro before March Madness began.
“Of course, I like to do everything big,” Reese told the magazine. “I didn’t want anything to be basic.”
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” added Reese, who also has expressed interest in playing professionally in Europe during the WNBA offseason. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten (Southeastern Conference) Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”
Reese — a dynamic, 6-foot-3 forward who can run the floor, guard the perimeter and block shots anywhere — likely will join Clark, the expected No. 1 pick by Indiana, as one of the top players drafted on April 15. Draft analysts have projected Reese as a seventh or eighth overall choice. An undeveloped outside shot is among the few questions about her game as she leaves college.
Reese registered 61 double-doubles for the Tigers in two seasons, averaging 20.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game. She was one of the top NIL earners in college, with a valuation of $1.8 million, according to On3.com.