WNBA superstar Angel Reese is one of the most heavily criticized athletes in the country, which has often led to some less-than-pleasant interactions with the media. But regardless of how Reese is perceived by fans and the media, it seems like she’s made quite a positive impression on her new teammates.
Ever since entering the league, Reese has often been portrayed as a sort of villain to Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, especially after their high-profile showdowns in the NCAA Tournament, which created a rivalry that followed them to the WNBA.
Understandably, this antagonist role is not always easy for Reese to take on, leading Reese to recently suggest that she might simply accept a fine and decline to speak to the media at times this year rather than face questions from some aggressive reporters.
“I’ll take a fine before I have to go media and feel like my back is against the wall,” she said.
Reese may have been given that villain persona by the media, and she may give off a tough, strong, and often cold demeanor publicly, but it sounds like she’s quite different behind closed doors.
During a recent interview, new Atlanta Dream teammate Allisha Gray had some high praise for Reese, not just for what she does on the court, but for who she is as a person.
“She’s just such a positive person,” Gray said after Tuesday’s win, via Fox News Digital. “No matter what state we are in the game, she always brings us together and lets us know we got it. And she’s such a hard worker, and she’s such a good person as well.
“Once you get to know her and really connect with her, she’s an amazing person, really lovely person, a joy to be around. I have the time of my life hanging out with Angel,” Gray added.
That may not be a side of her that fans usually get to see, but it’s clear that she’s made quite an impression on her teammates.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.