Context:

Angel Reese, a prominent player for the Chicago Sky, declined to address a question regarding her previous statement about her role in elevating the WNBA's profile. Last year, Reese asserted that the transformation of women's basketball was a collective effort and anticipated that history would recognize this in 2024. As she enters her second season, Reese, who was an All-Star and the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, is under scrutiny as the team transitions with a new coach and teammates. Her first season ended prematurely due to an injury that hampered Chicago's playoff hopes. WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has praised Reese's energy and potential, emphasizing her physicality and scoring capabilities, predicting further improvement in the future.

Dive Deeper:

• Angel Reese, a Chicago Sky star, avoided commenting on her previous bold claim about her influence in growing women's basketball, a statement she made last year asserting that the game's evolution wasn't due to a single person.

• In the past, Reese confidently stated that historians would eventually recognize the collective efforts in transforming the WNBA, illustrating her belief in the shared contributions of players.

• Entering her second WNBA season, Reese faces increased attention as she plays under a new head coach and alongside new teammates, following an impactful rookie year where she was an All-Star and narrowly missed the Rookie of the Year title.

• Reese's promising first season was cut short by an injury, preventing her from helping the Chicago Sky make a final playoff push, but she still managed to average 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.

• WNBA legend Lisa Leslie has expressed confidence in Reese's abilities, highlighting her energetic playing style, physical resilience, and scoring ability, suggesting that Reese's skills will continue to develop and improve over time.