WNBA players are back to bring the heat as the groundbreaking Unrivaled league gets ready to kick off, and all eyes are on Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese. The former LSU star is in full prep mode, balancing gym time and court drills as she gears up for the 8-week new league. But you know what? She is also working on something she’s not exactly famous for: her three-point shot. Are fans thrilled?

In the new Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart-founded league, the rookie is set to earn an impressive $250,000 from Unrivaled, not to mention an equity stake in the league. Compare that to her current four-year contract with the Chicago Sky worth $324,383, averaging $81,096 annually, and it’s clear this new gig is a game-changer for her bank account. 

But money aside, Reese has been putting in some serious work. A fan page posted a video of her practicing three-pointers. We know that the hooper recorded 446 rebounds, including 172 offensive boards, setting a single-season record. 

She also broke the all-time record for consecutive double-doubles with 15 and averaged 13.6 points per game, including multiple 20-point performances. But Chi-Town Barbie knows it. She just hit 18.8% of her three-point attempts last season. More than she ever attempted in college, though. But the number is still low.

Previously, a video showed her sinking shots with NBA and youth player development specialist Iren Cergio Rainey. In the clip, Reese nails four consecutive threes with ease. Rainey hyped her up on Instagram, writing, “Extraordinary ain’t for everybody, but you best believe the ‘Bayou Barbie’ Angel Reese is one of them ones.” Meanwhile, social media users are not very happy with her attempts.

Fans weigh in on Angel Reese’s next big moves

First up, someone pointed out two key areas that could use some work: “Pause between receiving and shooting” and “Very limited vertical.” That split-second pause after catching the ball can give defenders time to close in, while a limited vertical jump reduces the shot’s elevation, making it easier to contest. 

“Hopefully the Sky’s coaching staff will work with Angel on getting better in these two areas,” a basketball enthusiast added. The new head coach, Tyler Marsh, who previously worked as an assistant coach and head of player development with the Las Vegas Aces, seems like the right person to help polish the forward’s game.

Another comment threw some shade, saying, “She wants to be like Caitlin so bad.” Caitlin Clark is a well-known sharpshooter with a 34.4% three-point shooting percentage and a reputation for draining shots from the logo. Comparing Angel’s evolving game to CC’s legendary range seems a little unfair, but obviously, the rivalry between these two is always the central topic.

Then there’s this take, “She trying to extend her range, and she is not really comfortable out there yet.” Sky Star is best known for her dominance in the post and rebounding, not her long-range shooting. Her rookie stats back that up, with her rebounding and inside presence being her bread and butter. 

Fans seem worried that focusing on her three-point shooting might hurt her strengths. But what if she shocks everyone in the new 3×3 league, paying her a hefty amount? “I will always be a fan, but I will be excited to see her work on her post-game and improve her paint %,” another comment read. 

Angel’s field goal percentage last season was 39.2%, which isn’t bad but does leave room for growth in efficiency around the basket. Fans clearly want her to focus on dominating inside before spreading her game too thin. And then, the observation, “Never seen anybody’s knees touch while they shootin’ before.” 

When a player’s knees touch during their shot, it usually points to flaws in balance or shooting form. Overusing the upper body for power or having a lack of lower-body stability could be the culprits. It’s not a great look for someone trying to become a stretch-four.

So, all in all, Angel Reese is grinding hard, but the fans clearly have high expectations. Many feel she should double down on her strengths rather than try to become a ‘hybrid stretch-four’. With the Unrivaled season approaching, if she masters a three-point shot, it could be a threat. For now, though, fans will have to wait and see if her hard work pays off. She has shown time and again that she thrives under pressure—so why not now?