A’ja Wilson stopped the time when she announced her signature shoes with Nike. Something similar happened when she dropped the logo earlier this month. And seems like not just the 2x MVP’s followers but also Angel Reese is excited about the A’One cleats. But the Sky rookie has a contract binding her that restricts her from showing off a pair. Here is what it is.

Yesterday in her media availability, Angel Reese expressed her opinion on Wilson’s signature shoes. Praising the Aces forward, she mentioned, “I love her shoe. I’m so happy for her. She’s deserved it. A’ja’s been somebody that has inspired me, not just on the court but off the court. And as a black woman, her story, her being from South Carolina, everything behind that. I’m super happy for her.”

Angel Reese soon also revealed one thing that she would want to do but cannot. She confessed, “If I could wear Nike, I would definitely wear her shoe for sure. But I’m happy for her, everything she’s doing. She continues to lead the way in so many different ways.”

During her time at LSU, Shaquille O’Neal, her ‘uncle,’ became the President of Basketball for Nike’s rival shoe company Reebok. Consequently, he brought in the Bayou Barbie in an NIL deal. With her move to the WNBA, she was offered an endorsement deal and also became the face of the revolution to bring back Reebok into the sport. Since she is a part of the rival family, Angel Reese cannot wear any competitor’s shoes. Hence, despite wanting to, she will not have an A’One collection in her wardrobe.

While she can’t have the shoes, Angel Reese will surely try to get a win from A’ja Wilson and the Aces while keeping her double-double streak.

Aces vs Sky: Can Angel Reese keep her double-double streak?

Angel Reese had her name shine in the NCAA as the double-double queen. And despite many questioning her skills to translate in the WNBA, she has surpassed the expectations, beating all odds. Not only did she become a rookie to have multiple double-doubles with impressive numbers, but she is also increasing the count with every game, win or loss. However, while the Aces are facing problems in their defense, they still carry the potential to stop her from scoring.

In her last win over the Fever, the 2023 NCAA Champion recorded 25 points and 16 rebounds. She became the only rookie after A’ja Wilson (2018) to produce that stat line in the entire league as well. Hence, going against the player who has been the rookie’s inspiration can be daunting. But for Reese, it’s just another game as she told the reporters that she “can’t be scared” of the vets.

Surely, her hunger for wins and relentlessness will play a huge part in today’s game. The meeting of these two fierce forwards will definitely be one hell of a competition. As the rookie and the Sky host the 2x reigning champions in the Wintrust Arena, let us see how their cards play out.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.