It’s time! The newest league founded by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled, is set to debut in 2025. The 3×3 women’s basketball league features six-figure salaries offered to players and has even lured big names like Angel Reese to sign on. But, will it be possible for her to hit the court this soon?

It’s time! The newest league founded by WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled, is set to debut in 2025. The 3×3 women’s basketball league features six-figure salaries offered to players and has even lured big names like Angel Reese to sign on. But, will it be possible for her to hit the court this soon?

The collaboration underscores the Chicago Sky forward’s determination to dominate in Unrivaled. Soon she’ll be representing the Rose Basketball Club alongside stars like Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper. Despite this, her workout clips have become the center of social media buzz, with some questioning her readiness for the league.

Angel Reese up for a redemption amid online criticism

The internet is never short on opinions, and Reese’s latest training posts were no exception. While fans applauded her hustle, critics were quick to dismiss her efforts. One comment read, “45-minute taping to make 3 shots? She’s got no game.“

Averaging a double-double of nearly 13 rebounds and 13.6 points per game, Reese has always been a focal point of criticism. Despite her impressive rebounding skills, she’s often questioned for rebounding her own shots.

“Angel Reese-type of hoop,” penned a spectator on X. “Missing Angel Reese hoops,” paired with a funny meme added another. The Chicago sky forward’s decision to join Unrivaled isn’t just about basketball; it’s a financial game-changer for her.

“She’s got all the hype but no game to back it up. Let’s see if this trainer can make a difference,” added another user. As the league offers salaries far exceeding the WNBA’s average, Reese’s $250,000 salary for the eight-week season is a significant opportunity for her to secure her future.

Beyond the financial perks, Reese views Unrivaled as a stepping stone for skill enhancement. “Angel Reese should be worried about her mid-range game when all she does is put back her own rebounds,“ added another spectator. And they’re right. In her rookie WNBA season, Reese converted approximately 31% of her mid-range shots, indicating room for development in this aspect of her game.

Competing alongside 34 of the WNBA’s top players, she has expressed excitement about learning from the best. “I’m really looking forward to honing my skills and getting better,” she said in an earlier interview.

As Reese prepares to make her mark in Unrivaled, the spotlight—and scrutiny—will only intensify. Her partnership with Alexander signals a serious commitment to her craft, despite the naysayers. Whether she silences critics or fuels more debate, one thing is certain: Reese isn’t backing down.

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It was in August this year when Angel Reese landed the most perfect deal with a brand that was practically written in the stars—Reese’s. But while this dream partnership might seem like destiny now, the journey to make it happen wasn’t as smooth as it looks. In fact, the initial lack of response from the $34.49 billion worth Hershey Company almost derailed it. So, what went down exactly?

Trinity Rodman made the news this week for sharing thoughts about her father, Dennis, an NBA Hall of Famer.

During a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with Alex Cooper, Trinity Rodman explained how she was upset about her lack of a relationship with her father. She used a story involving WNBA player Angel Reese to drive her point home.

“I’m not throwing shade at anybody,” Trinity Rodman said. “I remember Angel Reese had wore his jersey to a game and there was a picture of them. I’m like, he is a really famous basketball player, style-wise, everything, inspiring. But I think as a daughter seeing that, it’s like, no shade, `I wish that was me.”‘

Trinity Rodman, who was a key contributor on the Team USA Olympic soccer team, basically said she doesn’t consider the NBA great a father.

“He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else,” Trinity Rodman said. “We tried to live with him, but he’s having parties 24/7, bringing random bitches in. He loves the spotlight.”

Rodman was one of the most intriguing figures when he played in the NBA. He led the league in rebounding multiple times while also drawing attention because of his on-court antics. He was a member of the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons in the 1980s before his dyed hair became a talking point with the San Antonio Spurs in the `90s. He later teamed with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen for the Chicago Bulls, helping them win three straight championships from 1996-98.

Still, Trinity Rodman said her father has been mostly absent from her life. After years of being absent from her life, she told a story of how he met up with her at a playoff game in 2021. Afterward, he immediately disappeared again.

“He was like, ‘I want to see you soon, I’m in DC,'” Trinity Rodman said. “I was like, ‘OK.’ And after that, radio silence. I didn’t see him again until like, this year. I didn’t talk to him or see him until, I think, right after the World Cup.”

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at Shandelrich@gmail.com

‘Looks crazy!’ – Angel Reese shows off impressive new physique and Steph Curry moves that make WNBA star look like ‘Splash Sister’

The Chicago Sky forward enjoyed a record-breaking rookie season in 2024 after being selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.

The 22-year-old set the WNBA record for the most consecutive double-doubles in a season with 15, set the WNBA record for the most double-doubles by a rookie with 26, and set the WNBA record for the most single-season rebounds with 446 (later broken by A’ja Wilson).

However, Reese’s season ended prematurely when she went down with a wrist injury with only a few games left in the campaign.

Reese was beaten to the Rookie of the Year award by longtime rival Caitlin Clark, but now the 6ft 3in forward is back with a vengeance and tirelessly working on her game.

The 22-year-old recently shared footage of her working out and preparing for the 2025 campaign.

Reese has always been a physical beast and a strong, low-post operator, so fans were surprised to see her honing the more finesse part of her game.

They remarked on her ‘bulky yet agile’ frame, as well as her commitment to improve her outside shooting which has always been a weakness.

Some joked she looked like Steph Curry as she jacked up 3s and honed her offensive skillset.

“Looks crazy,” posted one fan.

“As an Angel fan there was a clear difference in how she moved that LSU championship year and how she moved her rookie year with the sky. This looks closer to that junior year and I love that,” a second wrote.

“This is the Angel Reese footage that I want to see! I hope she is working out every day. If she comes back comfortable on offense with better touch around the rim and a consistent midrange jump shot the haters will be silenced,” another posted.

“Looking like Steph Curry,” said a fourth.

‘Splash Sister,” joked someone else, referring to Curry’s nickname as a ‘Splash Brother’.

Reese was subject to criticism throughout her debut campaign as a professional, particularly when it came to shooting.

She shot 39% from the field last year, as well as 18.8 percent from 3-point range and just 73.6 percent at the free-throw line. She also missed a number of relatively easy layups that led to widespread criticism online.

However, Reese, who’s game has always been about defending and rebounding, clapped back at a troll who recently tried to mock her over her poor shooting percentages.

“Do you realize I got drafted seventh in my class while ‘missing layups’ as a ROOKIE shooting 39% on the year and was STILL an All-Star and that was the worst you’ll ever see me?” Reese wrote on X. “Or you just laid up with your dog at home hating Adam?”

After playing in a professional 3-vs-3 league in January, Reese will spearhead an exciting Sky team heading into the 2025 season with a new coach and championship aspirations.

The 13-27 Sky failed to make the playoffs last season, prompting the franchise to part ways with former head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and replace her with Tyler Marsh.

The highly-regarded former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach recently spoke about Reese and what stood out to him about her last season.

“I think she handled her rookie year great,” Marsh said. “I mean, you set a record in rebounding and, to me, it’s still amazing that people kind of undervalue and undersell just what that was for a rookie.

“I think it’s kind of unfair, not just to Angel but a lot of the rookies in the W, they’re expected to do so much in so little time. They’re not given the grace to grow,” Marsh continued.

“We can’t take for granted just what Angel was able to do in her rookie year. And… she’s a winner. She’s doubted almost every year of her life and her career, and she continued to overcome, and that’s something you can build on.”

Angel Reese Starts Miami Trip With Rolling Loud Visit as WNBA Star Gears Up for Unrivaled 35 Days Away

At 6’3″, Angel Reese commands attention both on and off the basketball court. Known for her dominance as a forward and her bold personality, the Sky No. 5’s towering height is often a source of pride. But as she revealed in a candid moment during her podcast Unapologetically Angel, it also presents challenges that may as well be unique to her in her everyday life.

In a heartfelt conversation with Coco Jones, Reese opened up about feeling out of place when she steps outside. “Yeah, I don’t feel normal. No,” Reese admitted. “Also, I’m 6’3”. So obviously, I already don’t feel normal. So everybody already looking and they’re trying to see who that is.” Her words offer a glimpse into the reality of standing out not just for her talent but for her sheer physical presence.

Reese’s height, while a gift on the court, often draws unwanted attention in public spaces. “I don’t mind taking pictures,” she shared, “but sometimes I just want to like, yeah, sometimes I just want to be able to put on a sweatsuit and like maybe have my hood on, my bonnet on, some glasses, and keep pushing.” But that’s easier said than done. “I can’t do that. It’s like I got to go out the house, clean up tight.”

The constant stares and curiosity from strangers can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about being recognized as a basketball star; it’s the towering frame that makes her impossible to miss in any crowd. Reese’s reflections highlight the double-edged sword of fame and physical distinction—one that brings admiration but also a loss of anonymity.

So, how does Angel Reese navigate the complexities of her star power?

Angel Reese: Finding the balance between fame and privacy

In a moment of vulnerability, during the podcast when Coco Jones asked, “Like, have you ever said no to taking a picture?” Angel Reese responded, “I have. Yeah.” She continued, elaborating on how it feels and stated. “It does make me feel bad, but most of the time I’m in a rush. Like I’m about to, I’m going somewhere.”

Coco, clearly understanding, resonated with her response, “Yeah, that’s real.”

Reese, however, shared a deeper frustration with the situation, “So like, and the people be so mean after they be like, ‘Damn.’ That’s I don’t live for that. But people don’t be understanding. Like, this is like, we can’t always do it.”

The interaction revealed the emotional toll fame can take, especially when people don’t understand that celebrities, just like anyone else, have moments when they want to keep things simple. Reese’s honesty about saying “no” to taking pictures reflects her struggle to find a balance between her public persona and her personal need for space.

As Reese continues to navigate the complexities of fame, her story highlights the need for empathy toward public figures who face similar challenges. While they may seem untouchable from the outside, they too have their limits and moments when they simply want to live life, just like anyone else.

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh has given an interview in which he explained why he thinks that Angel Reese has been “undervalued” during her rookie season.

With the 2025 season approaching, several WNBA teams will start new processes with new head coaches, including the Chicago Sky. The former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach will now have the task of bringing the best from Angel Reese and company, and he already has shared his thoughts on the forward’s rookie season, saying people ‘undervalue’ her.

“I think she handled her rookie year great,” Marsh said in a conversation with the ‘No Cap Space WBB’ podcast. “I mean, you set a record in rebounding and, to me, it’s still amazing that people kind of undervalue and undersell just what that was for a rookie.”

“I think it’s kind of unfair, not just to Angel but a lot of the rookies in the W, they’re expected to do so much in so little time. They’re not given the grace to grow,” the new Chicago Sky head coach continued. “We can’t take for granted just what Angel was able to do in her rookie year. And… she’s a winner.”

He added, “She’s doubted almost every year of her life and her career, and she continued to overcome, and that’s something you can build on. She hasn’t even scratched the surface yet of what I believe her potential could be.”

Reese was one of the contenders for the Rookie of the Year Award

The 22-year-old’s rookie season was inspired, breaking several league’s records such as for the most consecutive double-doubles in a season with 15, most double-doubles by a rookie with 26, and set the WNBA record for the most single-season rebounds with 446 (later broken by A’ja Wilson).

While she ultimately lost out Rookie of the Year honors to Caitlin Clark, Reese’s first professional season proved her potential. With Marsh, who is known for his ability to develop talent, she might step into it next year.

For now, fans of Reese will be able to watch her play in Unrivaled, the new professional 3-vs-3 league. The league starts in January, and it will also feature other WNBA stars such as Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, DiJonai Carrington and more.

Comedian Matt Rife recently held a show in Indiana where he wore a Caitlin Clark jersey during his set. Rife had nothing but positive things to say about the Indiana Fever star, but he made a joke about Angel Reese that may have upset some WNBA fans.

“The longest yard is also what they call the distance between Angel Reese’s eyeballs,” Rife said. “If Angel Reese’s eyes were any more separated they’d be the Menendez brothers. Yeah, I’ll read about that one tomorrow, great.”

Clark and Reese’s rivalry is well known among WNBA fans. It began while they were still in college as Clark played for Iowa and Reese led LSU. Reese and Clark were both selected in the 2024 WNBA Draft, and their rivalry continued in the league.

Reese enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Chicago Sky. Clark, though, won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Clark and Reese will receive no shortage of attention once again in 2025, especially when the Fever and Sky go head-to-head.

Rife’s jokes, meanwhile, were met with laughter for the most part. Rife is never afraid to speak his mind on stage. It will be interesting to see if Reese responds.

However, Angel Reese has done a tremendous job of tuning out criticism. She has continued to play well while accomplishing impressive off-the-court feats as well, such as starting her own podcast.

Angel Reese looking to have big 2025 WNBA season

Reese, 22, averaged 13.6 points per game in her rookie season. She also recorded 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per outing. Reese ended up shooting 39.1 percent from the field.

She established herself as one of the best rebounders in the entire WNBA. Reese would like to improve her shooting efficiency, though. If she can be more consistent with her shot, Reese will take a crucial step forward in her second season in the WNBA.

Angel Reese will have an opportunity to continue working on her game in the upcoming Unrivaled Basketball league, which is set to begin in January. The Sky star will be able to improve while playing against legitimate WNBA competition. It would not be surprising to see Reese play at a more consistent all-around level during the 2025 campaign.

Nevertheless, her rookie season was strong. She helped to keep the Sky in postseason contention until she suffered an injury late in the season. Reese displayed signs of potential, however, so it will be intriguing to see how she ends up playing in 2025.