Here’s a bold statement: Angel Reese is not just a basketball star—she’s a cultural phenomenon, and yet, her impact on the game is often overshadowed by her peers. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Caitlin Clark frequently steals the spotlight, ESPN’s Holly Rowe argues that Reese has been a major force behind the explosive growth of women’s basketball. In a recent interview with WNST, Rowe passionately stated, ‘The spotlight on Angel has been transformative. I truly believe she’s a cornerstone of this sport’s rise. I’ll never downplay her role—I have unwavering faith in her.’ (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JDM2HAy_4As)
Reese’s fans have been shouting this from the rooftops since her LSU days, where she didn’t just win a national championship—she became a household name in college basketball. And her stardom didn’t fade when she transitioned to the WNBA. And this is the part most people miss: Reese’s success isn’t confined to the court. She’s a walking double-double, dominating the league with back-to-back rebounding titles, two All-Star selections, and the Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year award. She even helped the Rose secure their first-ever championship. But her growth is far from over—between her rookie and second seasons, she significantly improved her field goal percentage, turning what was once a weakness into a lethal strength. (https://highposthoops.com/angel-reese-turned-detrimental-weakness-into-lethal-advantage)
However, here’s the counterpoint that sparks debate: despite her individual brilliance, the Chicago Sky’s struggles have somewhat dimmed her shine. The team’s losing record in 2025, even with Reese and Kamilla Cardoso on the roster, raises questions about their win-now strategy. (https://highposthoops.com/angel-reese-turned-detrimental-weakness-into-lethal-advantage) Is it fair to blame the team’s shortcomings on her? Or is she simply a star waiting for the right supporting cast?
Reese’s influence extends far beyond the WNBA. At just 23, she’s built a brand that’s nothing short of impressive. Her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, boasts over 150k YouTube subscribers, with some episodes surpassing a million views. She’s also made waves in entertainment, appearing on Hunting Wives, Steph Curry’s animated film GOAT, and A House of Dynamite. But here’s the part that’ll make you think: Reese isn’t just a basketball player—she’s a trailblazer. She was the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway and has launched her own fashion line, Mebounds, with proceeds going to combat cyberbullying.
Oh, and did we mention she revived Reebok with a signature shoe that’s flying off the shelves? Reebok is now the official footwear partner of the WNBL. Here’s the question we’re leaving you with: Is Angel Reese the most underrated star in women’s basketball, or is she simply a product of the sport’s growing popularity? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
