Angel Reese is on Sports Illustrated’s ’50 Most Influential Figures in Sports’ list, originally published on NBC Sports Chicago
Sports Illustrated recently named Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to their list of the 50 most influential people in sports. This list includes athletes, coaches, executives and influential figures.
“Since being drafted No. 7 overall by the Sky in April, Reese has gone from Bayou Barbie to WNBA All-Star, making a strong case for Rookie of the Year,” wrote SI’s Kristen Nelson. “The 6′ 3” forward has already had a historic season, setting a league record for most consecutive double-doubles (15), becoming the first WNBA rookie to have two consecutive 20-rebound games (a feat not seen at the professional level since fellow LSU alumnus Shaquille O’Neal accomplished the feat as an NBA rookie in April 1993).
“The 22-year-old star, who graces the cover of SI’s October issue, has long parlayed her success on the court into savvy business opportunities. She recently partnered with Reese’s to create matching candies, released a collection with Reebok and confirmed she has a signature shoe in the works.”
As mentioned, Reese had an incredible rookie season. She broke the league record for most consecutive double-doubles, having one in 15 straight games. She also broke the league’s single-season rebounding record, grabbing her 405th rebound on September 1.
Unfortunately, her rookie season was cut short when she underwent successful surgery to repair her broken left wrist on September 10. She announced the injury herself, a day after scoring a game-high 24 points against the Los Angeles Sparks. According to the team, she is expected to begin her rehabilitation process in the coming weeks.
Initially in the conversation for the league’s Rookie of the Year award, the Fever’s Caitlin Clark will likely take home the award as Reese is sidelined for the remainder of the season. However, in 34 games, Reese finished with averages of 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 73.6 percent from the free throw line.
