“I’ve Been an Underdog”: Rookie Angel Reese Divulges Into Her Mentality Awaiting WNBA Debut

The entire basketball journey for Angel Reese has not been as smooth as one would think. With her dominance and positive outlook, she has turned the underdog LSU into the 2022 NCAA champions. A feat that she wishes to repeat for yet another lowest team of the WNBA Chicago Sky. However, turns out that she was looking forward to being in this position. But what about the professional leagues does she like so far?

Talking to Mike Berman of NBC Chicago, Reese drew similarities in transferring to LSU and being drafted in a low-ranked team. Comparing the two experiences, she noted, “I’ve been an underdog. I know what it takes. It gives me Deja vu going into LSU. People didn’t think we would win a championship. We lost a couple of games. I think we’re gonna come out and surprise a lot of people.”

Angel Reese also indulged in her plan of action alongside two-time NCAA champion Kamilla Cardoso. She said, “Winning championships. Understanding that every day I have a coach that comes in with the mentality that we are who we are, and we are 12th in the league right now. But that means nothing. Being able to come in and punch every day and being able to work every day until we get to the top.”

Before the SEC DPOY could move on to how she keeps her mindset in winning mode, she differentiated between playing at the collegiate level and the professional leagues. She said, “You gotta learn fast, you ain’t got time to sit down and learn the plays. I think I’ve done a great job doing that. It was an easy turn for me to learn a play quick ’cause at LSU we had to learn plays quick too.” Amidst the practices, she also remembers her impact on other girls wishing to be a hooper.

“We’re on the rise,” Angel Reese shares her secret mantra to stay positive

There is no denying that Angel Reese has been a crucial aspect of women’s sports becoming popular. Hence, talking about raising the levels, she told Berman, “So many little girls look up to me and that’s why even the hate that I get, I still stand strong every single day. Because I have people looking up to me. If I let myself down or be down, they might think that they don’t have somebody that can do these things. Stay confident and understand the bigger picture. We have done so many great things, we’re on the rise right now.”

Undeniably, Angel Reese has been an essential ingredient in making female athletes recognized throughout the globe. It is refreshing to see how, even through many rough patches in her basketball career, Bayou Barbie has stayed strong, confident in herself, and a leader both on and off the court. It will be intriguing to see if she stands strong in her mindset and brings some big wins for the team.