
Affectionately called “Bayou Barbie” for her trademark glammed-up eyelashes and manicured talons, Louisiana State University’s star player Angel Reese is charging into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The formal declaration of her candidacy for the WNBA draft came Wednesday, just two days after the LSU Tigers succumbed to Caitlin Clark and Iowa during the Elite Eight round of the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Not just a formidable athlete on the court, Reese is equally captivating off-court, boasting a penchant for modeling and fashion. The effortless sophistication of her decision announcement, which unfurled not at a press conference but through a Vogue photo shoot, reflects her flair for style. She cites tennis titan Serena Williams’ 2022 retirement announcement, also through Vogue, as her inspiration.
Until the completion of LSU’s season, Reese kept possibilities wide open by publicly contemplating her return to the Tigers. As she now confesses, the decision to pivot to the professional sphere was solidified even before March Madness ensued.
“I like to do everything big,” Reese divulged during her magazine interview. “I didn’t want anything to be basic.”
Recounting her collegiate accomplishments, she feels fulfilled. “I’ve done everything I wanted to do in college,” Reese affirmed, ticking off her accolades: a national championship, Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, and an All-American honor. Ultimately, she aspires to shine among the professional basketball elite. Bolstered by her previous triumphs, Reese asserts, “I feel like I’m ready.”
Reese, known for her nimble agility and intimidating 6ft 3in frame, will likely join Caitlin Clark as a top pick in the April 15th draft. Draft scholars anticipate her being selected for the seventh or eighth spot. Her relatively underutilized outside shot remains a kink in her otherwise polished game, as she readies to bid goodbye to college basketball.
The night of her announcement, the rising star indulged in an NBA basketball match between the Orlando Magic and the New Orleans Pelicans. Celebrating the occasion, former teammate Amani Bartlett, who traditionally crowns Reese before games, enjoyed courtside seats with her. The occasion was made even more special when Reese received an ovation after being featured on the arena video board.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Reese initiated her college career at Maryland, where her brother Julian plays. A transformational transfer to LSU in 2022 led to their historic first national title during Reese’s professional debut.
Reese’s charismatic persona shone bright during LSU’s championship, her enchanting off-court interactions with fans and the media, and her knack for trash-talking opponents during games have fostered her popularity. Her tough upbringing, playing basketball with boys in the streets of Baltimore, led to her cultivation of a mental and physical toughness that she credits for her success on the court.
Despite fame ratcheting up the scrutiny on her, Reese swears to remain “unapologetically me.” Teammates sometimes dub her as “the queen”, a testament to her leadership and the hurdles she’s experienced, including a brief suspension and a self-care hiatus earlier this season.
Angel Reese racked up over $1.8 million as one of the top NILO earners in college. Her partnerships with established brands like Coach, Reebok, and Mercedes-Benz have prepared her for the kind of lucrative endorsement deals professional athletes often secure.
From an extraordinary two years at LSU and an irrefutable influence on women’s basketball, the world continues to watch in anticipation as Reese embarks on her professional journey.