Angel Reese, the standout forward for the LSU Tigers, revealed in an interview with Vogue on April 3 that she intends to enter the 2024 WNBA draft. The announcement from the 2024 SEC Player of the Year followed closely on the heels of the Tigers’ Elite Eight defeat to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, with the game ending 94-87. LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey, expressed clear backing for Reese’s choice, as evidenced by an emotional Instagram post she shared on April 3rd.
Mulkey mentioned in the post that Reese was a National Champion, an upcoming graduate of LSU, and an inspiration to many people of all ages.
Mulkey and Reese will always be grateful for their 2023 National Championship, even though their 2024 season didn’t go as planned.
Angel Reese Went Vogue For Her WNBA Decision
Though it was widely speculated that Angel Reese would transition to the professional ranks following this season, her decision to announce it via a Vogue interview caught many by surprise. In the interview, Reese elaborated on her reasons for choosing the WNBA as her next step.
“I want to start from scratch,” she expressed. “I want to embrace being a rookie again, to rebuild myself from the ground up. I crave the challenges, the setbacks, and the growth that come with it at the next level.”
Acknowledging the formidable nature of the WNBA, Reese emphasized her readiness for the demanding environment. “I’ll be competing alongside seasoned professionals,” she noted to Vogue. “These are women with families, with responsibilities. It’s going to require relentless effort and dedication every single day. And honestly, that’s exactly what I’m after. I thrive on challenges, and I’m not seeking an easy path in life.”
“I want to thank EVERYONE for giving me so much love yesterday—whew, I wasn’t even able to process it all! It was ICONIC to make my announcement with VOGUE. Please have faith in me, trust me in this new environment I’m entering, and give me time to adjust and develop. Along with a glistening heart emoji, Reese wrote.
Where Will Angel Reese Play Next?
Angel Reese will be a part of what may be the greatest WNBA draft class in history.
Following Reese’s interview with Vogue, ESPN’s Michael Voepel updated his most recent WNBA mock draft, placing the LSU standout at number seven overall. She would then be on the Minnesota Lynx as a result.
“If the Lynx see potential in enhancing her skill set with the abilities she already possesses,” Voepel suggests, “they may lean towards selecting Reese.”
It’s important to mention, however, that the sixth overall pick is owned by the Washington Mystics. Given Reese’s roots in Maryland, her selection by her hometown team would generate significant excitement.
Furthermore, the Mystics struggled with rebounding during the 2023 season, ranking third-lowest in the WNBA. Particularly concerning was their poor performance in offensive rebounding, which tied for second-worst in the league.
Given Reese’s prowess in rebounding, evidenced by her averaging 13.4 rebounds per game (the second-best in NCAA this season) and leading in offensive rebounds with 5.5 per game, it’s evident that the Mystics could greatly benefit from her skill set.
April 15 is when the 2024 WNBA draft will take place, so we won’t have to wait long to find out where Reese will start her professional career.