Angel Reese Determined to Turn Chicago Sky‘s Fortunes Around after Disappointing Rookie Season
CHICAGO — Angel Reese is setting her sights on a winning season with the Chicago Sky after a rookie year marked by both individual success and team struggles. Despite the Sky’s disappointing 13-27 record and playoff absence in 2023, Reese’s impact, alongside fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, was undeniable. Now, with roster changes and veteran additions, Reese is determined to reverse the team’s trajectory, starting with a high-profile matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 17.
reese’s Drive to Win Fuels Sky’s Rebuild
“I wasn’t used to that,” Reese said, reflecting on the losing season. “It just takes an adjustment. It’s something that you don’t want to get used to because you don’t want to get in a mindset, like, ‘Oh, we’re just going to be losing every night.’ We were right there every night.” This drive to win is central to the Sky’s revamped strategy.
Sky Make major Changes After Missing Playoffs
Following the 2023 season, the Sky made meaningful changes, including firing coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one year. Tyler Marsh, formerly an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, was hired to lead the team. The sky also added seasoned players such as franchise assist leader Courtney Vandersloot and two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins, acquired in a trade with the Washington Mystics, to bolster the roster and mentor the young stars.
Veteran Leadership to Support Rising Stars
The acquisition of Vandersloot and Atkins is aimed at elevating the games of Reese and Cardoso, providing them with experience and leadership on and off the court. General Manager Jeff Pagliocca emphasized Reese’s commitment to basketball amidst her growing brand, stating, “She wants to compete, she wants to win, she’s somebody that puts that above everything else… she still has proven to us time and time again she puts basketball first.”
Reese’s Impact on WNBA’s Popularity
Reese, along with Caitlin Clark, has been credited with boosting the WNBA’s popularity, drawing large crowds and increased media attention. As she enters her second season, the focus is on translating that heightened profile into on-court success and leading the Chicago Sky back into playoff contention.
Angel Reese Eyes Championship Run with Chicago Sky After record-Breaking Rookie Season
WNBA Rookie of the Year Runner-Up Focused on Improving Game, Leading Sky to Success
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is determined to lead her team to a championship after a stellar, record-breaking rookie season. despite individual accolades, Reese is focused on team success and improving her game to become a more dynamic player for the Sky.
Reese Reflects on Record-setting Rookie Year
Reese made an immediate impact in the WNBA, averaging 13.6 points and a league-best 13.1 rebounds per game. Her dominance on the boards led to a WNBA record of double-doubles in 15 consecutive games, finishing the season with 26, the most ever by a rookie. She briefly held the record for total rebounds with 446 before a wrist injury sidelined her for the final six games, allowing league MVP A’ja Wilson to surpass her with 451.
Sky’s Struggles Fuel Reese’s Fire
Despite Reese’s individual success, the Sky struggled, losing 12 of their final 14 games last season. A seven-game losing streak was snapped with a win against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sept. 6, but Reese than suffered a hairline fracture in her left wrist, requiring surgery and further impacting the team’s performance.
“Obviously, that left a bad taste in my mouth,” Reese said, reflecting on the disappointing end to the season.
Offseason Focus: Expanding Her game
Reese spent the offseason working on her game,participating in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league and focusing on extending her range to become a stretch power forward. Last season, she shot 39% from the field and made just 3 of 16 3-pointers.
Sky coach Marsh emphasized the team’s vision for Reese: “We want her to be dynamic. We want her to be able to score inside. We want to be able to create space for her to have more one-on-one finishes inside and to not have to have to feel like she’s got to play in a crowd. We want to put the ball in her hands on the perimeter and allow her to facilitate and create off the dribble as well.”
Reese believes her hesitancy, rather than her ability, was the primary obstacle to taking more shots from the perimeter. “I always just tell myself if I work out and make the shots I might as well take them in the game,” she said.
Championship Aspirations and New Team Chemistry
Reese experienced a championship atmosphere firsthand while attending the WNBA finals between New York and Minnesota. Further, her team Rose BC won the Unrivaled championship, despite Reese missing the playoffs due to a wrist injury. She is confident in the Sky’s potential and believes the team has the right components for success.
“I think we have the right pieces this year,” Reese said. “We have the great veteran leadership.We have coaches that just built a culture from the beginning and built the standards, so I’m excited.”
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What impact has Angel Reese had on viewership and interest in the WNBA?
Angel Reese’s Steadfast Return to Lead Chicago Sky
Angel Reese is gearing up for her second season with the Chicago Sky, aiming to turn the team’s fortunes around after a challenging rookie year. Despite individual achievements, Reese is focused on team success and is determined to enhance her game. This article dives into her aspirations, the Sky’s rebuild, and Reese’s impact on the WNBA.
Q&A: Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky
What were Angel Reese’s stats during her rookie season?
Angel Reese averaged 13.6 points and a league-best 13.1 rebounds per game. She set a WNBA record for a rookie with 26 double-doubles and briefly held the record for total rebounds with 446.
How did the Chicago Sky perform in the 2023 season?
The Sky struggled, finishing with a 13-27 record and missing the playoffs. They lost 12 of their final 14 games.
What changes has the Chicago Sky made for the upcoming season?
The Sky made meaningful changes, including hiring Tyler Marsh as head coach and adding veteran players Courtney Vandersloot and Ariel Atkins. These additions are intended to bolster the roster and mentor younger players like Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
What is Angel Reese focusing on in the offseason?
Reese worked on expanding her game, including improving her three-point shooting and becoming a stretch power forward. She also participated in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.
What is Angel Reese’s goal for the upcoming season?
Reese is focused on leading the chicago Sky to a championship. She believes the team has the right components,including veteran leadership and a strong coaching staff.
How has Angel Reese impacted the WNBA’s popularity?
Reese, along with Caitlin Clark, has been credited with boosting the WNBA’s popularity, drawing larger crowds and increased media attention.
What is the significance of the Sky’s matchup against the Indiana Fever?
The high-profile matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 17 highlights the growing popularity of the WNBA and the anticipation surrounding these two stars.
Trivia: Angel Reese’s record of 26 double-doubles by a rookie is a testament to her dominant rebounding abilities.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on Angel Reese’s performance and the Chicago Sky’s progress this season. Their success will depend on teamwork, improved shooting, and the mentorship of veteran players.
Angel Reese’s determination to improve and lead the Chicago Sky is inspiring. Stay tuned to see if she can turn her aspirations into reality!
