Angel Reese: Rising Star Of The WNBA And The Buzz Around Her Personal Life

Hot off an All-American run at LSU (that included a Most Outstanding Player award for her efforts in capturing the 2023 NCAA championship), All-Star rookie Chicago Sky power forward Angel Reese has already emerged as one of the most talked-about players in the WNBA this season. The attention she has received is not just due to her impressive performance on the court but also the intriguing rumors surrounding her personal life.

The 6-foot-3 big is averaging 13.6 points on a middling 39.1 percent field goal shooting and 73.6 percent foul line shooting, along with a league-leading 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per bout. Her remarkable statistics showcase her as a force to be reckoned with in the league, making her performances a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

During a new episode of her brand-new podcast "Unapologetically Angel," co-hosted by Maya Reese, the WNBA All-Star finally responded to the rumors that she was dating Phoenix Suns All-Star power forward Kevin Durant after she was spotted at the 2024 Paris Olympics next to the 2014 MVP. The buzz surrounding this speculation has added another layer of intrigue to her already public life as a professional athlete.

Reese, 22, was spotted sitting courtside next to Durant and Golden State Warriors All-NBA Third Team point guard Stephen Curry at London's O2 Arena in July. They witnessed the U.S. women's basketball team's 84-57 annihilation of Team Germany during a lopsided pre-Olympics exhibition game. This moment not only showcased her connections within the basketball community but also placed her in the spotlight, amplifying discussions about her personal life.

As Team USA clinched its eighth straight gold medal, controversy arose over the selection process that did not include Reese or probable Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. This decision sparked debates about talent recognition in women's basketball, emphasizing the growing attention on players like Reese.

In her podcast, Reese candidly addressed the dating rumors, stating, "That was never a thing. I don’t even know how that even became a thing because I sat next to somebody." This statement reflects the often speculative nature of media narratives surrounding athletes, illustrating how personal lives can sometimes overshadow athletic achievements.

Angel Reese's game is quite different from Durant's, though they do play the same position. Durant is renowned for his scoring ability, while Reese has made a name for herself as a hard-scrabble defender, whose most impressive attribute is her knack for cleaning the glass and generating offense mostly through put-backs. This contrast highlights the variety of playing styles that enrich the game of basketball.