Angel Reese comically described her initial WNBA practice session: “I thought it was gonna be crazy”
After the thrill of being selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft has subsided, Angel Reese’s new goal is to prove that the Chicago Sky made the right choice in bringing her into their organization. It most certainly was, if her initial practice is any guide.
Reese takes great satisfaction in her ability to defend well. But the WNBA is a whole other jungle. It will be quite the challenge for Chi-Barbie, who has already experienced her first reality check, to simply understand the differences between the rules.
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Reese acknowledged that she was ignorant of the three-second limit in a media interview. A defensive player cannot stay in the paint zone for longer than three seconds, per the WNBA rule book, unless she is actively protecting an offensive player.
The former forward for LSU Tigers was forthright about it, stating: “One thing I do need to adjust to is the 3-second call. I didn’t know about that. I didn’t have much knowledge on defensive three seconds, so just being able to learn that.”
For Reese, it was a successful first practice.
For a new employee, it was a small setback on her first day of work. Seeing her new teammates in action, though, was a huge assistance to Reese, who will be adjusting to a completely different work environment during a rigorous preseason.
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Reese gave her word that her teammates had safeguarded and valued her in this manner. “They embrace me so much, they don’t treat me like a rookie, so I feel at home,” she said.
Reese let herself a lighthearted moment with the media following her first training session, next to fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso:“Actually I wasn’t as bad as I thought I was gonna be. I thought it was gonna be crazy.”
Reese together with her new coach
Reese learned some lessons from her first practice. Being among those who have personally witnessed Teresa Weatherspoon’s coaching technique in action. Prior to joining the New York Liberty in 1997 and ending her playing career with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2004, Weatherspoon was a player in European leagues.
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What Reese stated of Weatherspoon was, “She’s been super intense. I love a coach that’s fiery. Brings energy every day. You know what you’re gonna get from her. She’s going to bring the best out of you every single day.”
Weatherspoon’s style was not new to Chi-Barbie. The same intensity was shown in training and games by her former coach, Kim Mulkey. “You want someone to push you every day out of greatness because I don’t wanna have an off day,” she stated.
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Afterward, Angel Reese used social media to share a preview of her trip with her fans. “Great first day of training camp! I love it here!” She concluded with gusto.
