Angel Reese (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Angel Reese, who was called the “Bayou Barbie” after she moved to Baton Rouge to play for LSU, has announced she is going to take her talents to the WNBA after the team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8.
Angel Reese is undoubtedly one of the most marketable players in the world of women’s college basketball. Her brilliance on the court as well as her personality has played a key role in ensuring a $1.8 million NIL value, according to On3.
The forward has witnessed significant growth in her NIL value since leading LSU to the national championship in 2023. Once she gets selected by a WNBA team, she won’t be making nearly as much.
While she may command a sizable NIL valuation, her potential WNBA salary pales in comparison as rookie salaries range from $62,285 to $74,305, via Marca.com.
After LSU’s season-ending loss to Iowa, Reese reflected on what her life has been like since winning the national championship last season as she only had 48 hours after the Tigers lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight to decide if she was staying at LSU or going pro.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said when sharing her plans to enter the WNBA draft with Vogue.
She’s expected to be a top-10 pick in the April 15 draft. Caitlin Clark, who already declared for the WNBA draft, is expected to be taken no. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese said. “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.”
Angel Reese Left It All On The Court In College
Angel Reese (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The 6-foot-3 Reese averaged 18.6 points and 12.3 rebounds in 116 career games where she started in 104. Reese also garnered First Team All-America, First Team All-SEC, and SEC All-Defensive Team selections while at LSU.
In her final game in the Elite 8, Reese scored 17 points and pulled down 20 rebounds but the Tigers lost to the Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight game, 94-87.
Cameras Caught Dillon Brooks’ Attempt to Intentionally Trip LeBron James and Stephen Curry During a Reckless Move
Team USA had a strong start in their preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, defeating Team Canada with a score of 86-72 in the exhibition game. Canada came into the game with great passion, particularly with Dillon Brooks’ physical performance. During the game against Team USA, Brooks seemed to have attempted to harm both Stephen Curry and LeBron James.
King James was going to the hoop when Brooks protruded out his leg, sending the four-time NBA MVP to the ground. Fans noticed a similar attempt against Curry, although Brooks was unsuccessful in tripping him. Brooks is known for giving opponents hard fouls, so this behavior wasn’t surprising. If Brooks had injured James or Curry before the Olympics, Team USA fans would have likely viewed him in a negative light.