The Chicago Sky have had a roller coaster start to the WNBA season, but their roster is highly promising. One Chicago rookie with bright potential is former LSU women's basketball star Angel Reese. Reese is in early contention with Caitlin Clark for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Award. Furthermore, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon delivered a powerful take on Reese's Olympic future with Team USA.
Weatherspoon proudly told reporters she believes Reese has what it takes to make a future Olympic roster.
“She's showing it. She has what it takes. You're doggone right she has what it takes,” a smiling Weatherspoon said after Chicago's practice on Tuesday, per GN Sports TV.
Angel Reese has given strong credence to Weatherspoon's claim. She has been highly productive in her WNBA beginnings with the Sky. Through 10 games, the 6'3″ rookie forward averages 11.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. She has amassed a double-double in Chicago's last three matchups. Furthermore, she leads the league in offensive rebounds.
Reese became the third player in WNBA history with 13-plus points, 13-plus rebounds, and 5-plus steals with her standout performance against the Atlanta Dream on June 9th, joining Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker. Her interior presence supplies a much-needed boost to Chicago. Still, her offensive game could use some work.
Reese shoots just 34.6 percent from the field and almost exclusively relies on getting her points in the paint. However, she is working to expand her game. She showed her range with a long jumper during Chicago's practice on Monday:
With more time and development, Reese should see an opportunity with future Team USA rosters. Of course, she is not the only one looking for a spot on the coveted squad.
Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark could be up next for Team USA
Caitlin Clark had an incredible tenure with the Iowa women's basketball team. Most notably, she surpassed Kelsey Plum and Pete Maravich's all-time NCAA scoring records during her senior year. Clark also had an iconic battle with Angel Reese in the 2023 NCAA title game. The talented guard took her talents to the WNBA when the Indiana Fever selected her with the first overall 2024 draft pick.
The internet went into a frenzy when it was announced that Clark did not make the 2024 Team USA Paris Olympics team. Sports commentator Colin Cowherd called the move a “wasted opportunity.” He argued that Clark's presence would provide more exposure and opportunities for the other women who made the roster.
However, Clark's omission from the 2024 squad will only allow her to keep growing. ClutchPoints' Lead Women's Sports Editor Erin Achenbach described Clark's absence as a “blessing in disguise.” The star guard will get a chance to rest during the Olympic break and continue getting acclimated with the Fever. Like Clark, Angel Reese wants to continue growing with the Sky.
Perhaps the two former college rivals will find themselves on the same Olympic roster in the future. For now, they will keep doing all they can to help their teams find success.
Reese and Chicago continue their season in a pivotal rematch against Alyssa Thomas and the Connecticut Sun on June 12th.
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