Angel Reese appears to be grappling with uncertainty regarding her basketball future. The All-American forward, who has one remaining year of eligibility and is a prominent earner through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, posted a contemplative message on X following LSU’s announcement of honoring her on senior day against Kentucky on March 3.
Her message, accompanied by a sad-face emoji and two hearts in purple and yellow – LSU’s colors – reads, “Should I stay, should I go? I don’t know.” This suggests a level of indecision or conflict regarding whether to continue her collegiate basketball journey or explore other options.
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The 21-year-old shared her message in conjunction with the initial announcement that highlighted, “Creating a legacy of her own. Unapologetically Angel.”
The upcoming March 3 game holds significance as it might be Reese’s final home appearance at LSU, especially if she decides to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft scheduled for April 15. However, considering the option of an extra year of eligibility, there remains a possibility that Reese could choose to extend her stay at LSU.
The Maryland transfer has consistently expressed her ambition to achieve back-to-back championships after leading the Lady Tigers to their first NCAA title with a 102-85 victory over Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in April of the previous year.
During the 2023 season, Reese set a remarkable record with 34 double-doubles, a feat unparalleled in women’s college basketball for a single season, catapulting her to widespread recognition. Beyond her athletic achievements, Reese, with over five million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined, has become a notable influencer. Her prominence was further highlighted by her inclusion in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue last May.
In the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Reese holds an estimated valuation of $1.7 million, ranking as the seventh-highest among all college athletes, according to On3.
In her senior year at LSU, Reese is showcasing impressive averages of 19.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.
Her remarkable performance was highlighted by recording her seventh consecutive double-double in a 75-60 victory over Tennessee on Sunday.
In a video included in LSU’s senior day announcement, Reese emphasized the significance of leaving as a champion, prioritizing team success over individual records. She stated, “Being able to walk out of here as a champion is just the most important thing. I don’t care about records, I don’t care about leading in double-doubles and points, I just wanted to walk out of here as a champion, and that’s something I’ll always have.”
Expressing gratitude to the fans, Reese acknowledged her deep connection with Louisiana despite not being from there. She thanked the supporters for embracing her, referring to the affectionate nickname “Bayou Barbie.” In moments of triumph and challenges, Reese recognized the unwavering support and expressed her appreciation for being part of the unique culture at LSU.
Reese moved from Maryland, which is roughly a 45-minute drive from her birthplace of Randallstown, to LSU in May 2022.
Reese was the most highly regarded player in the 2022 transfer portal following two seasons at Maryland.
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