As the WNBA Draft approached, one GM labeled Angel Reese as “an enigma.” Despite her impressive college track record — boasting a national championship, three All-American honors, and SEC Player of the Year recognition — doubts persisted about her WNBA transition.

However, the Chicago Sky harbored no such reservations. Their intentions to pick the LSU standout were clear well before the draft, signaled by a bold trade that sacrificed future assets for the chance to nab Reese at No. 7. In their pursuit of post-2021 title rebuilding, Reese emerges as a central figure for the Sky.

Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca expressed absolute delight at securing Reese, emphasizing her competitiveness and seamless fit with Chicago’s ethos. Reese’s collegiate journey underscored the significance of coach-player harmony, a dynamic she’ll continue under Teresa Weatherspoon, who shares coaching roots with Reese’s college mentor, Kim Mulkey.

The alignment between Reese and Chicago, as well as Reese and the Sky organization, is paramount. Reese’s collegiate experience emphasized the importance of unity with her coach, a synergy she’ll now cultivate under Teresa Weatherspoon.

Reese will also be part of an organization that recognizes her optimal position and is dedicated to nurturing her growth. With the third pick, the Sky strategically selected Kamilla Cardoso from South Carolina as their franchise center to complement Reese, enabling her to thrive at power forward, a position that aligns naturally with her 6-3 stature. This strategic move echoes Reese’s junior season at LSU when she frequently shared the court with LaDazhia Williams or Sa’Myah Smith during their championship campaign. While Reese showcased her skills near the basket during her senior year, most WNBA general managers concur that her ideal position is at the power forward spot.

This adjustment means Reese will need to expand her skill set beyond post play, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive player development plan. Chicago provides an ideal environment for this progression. Prior to assuming the general manager role, Pagliocca possessed a background in player development. Ahead of the draft, he emphasized the Sky’s focus on selecting players who can evolve and contribute to the franchise’s long-term success.

“We have a strong foundation to build upon, but as my colleagues have mentioned, we’re seeking players who can grow with us over the long haul,” Pagliocca stated. “Whether it’s a player who requires time to develop, that’s what we excel at here. Our sights are set on the future.”

Long-term growth aligns with Reese’s aspirations. As expressed in Vogue and reiterated after her draft selection, she embraces the challenge of stepping into a new phase of her career and is committed to continuous improvement.

“I desired more for myself. I craved a fresh start,” Reese reflected. “I’ve been riding high since the national championship, but now I want to experience the challenge of starting from scratch. I want to embrace being a rookie again, to face seasoned veterans, to stumble, and then rise again, absorbing and growing along the way.”

The potential partnership between Reese and Cardoso is intriguing on paper. Having competed against each other since high school, they possess a familiarity with each other’s playing styles. Both hail from programs accustomed to employing two dominant big players, equipping them with the know-how to coexist effectively in the frontcourt. Their prowess on the boards is formidable — Cardoso boldly declared that no one would out-rebound the Sky upon learning of Reese’s arrival. Furthermore, they boast versatility in both the low and high post.

Immediate expectations for Reese are modest. The Sky aren’t anticipating a plethora of wins or a deep playoff run. Their primary aim for their latest first-round pick is diligent work and continual improvement on a daily basis. Pagliocca and his team will tailor individual development strategies for all their rookies, working towards a shared vision for the future.

However, this is not to diminish their admiration for Reese as she is now. Their efforts to secure her services underscore their belief in her potential to anchor Chicago’s future.

“Undoubtedly, we made another significant move before the draft, ensuring Reese’s presence on our roster,” Pagliocca affirmed. “You never know how things will unfold. Unexpected challenges can arise. Despite the presence of other talented players, we secured the one we coveted.”

“She’s an absolute force on the court, a relentless competitor who pursues the ball with unmatched intensity,” Pagliocca praised. “She embodies the spirit of a winner, hailing from a highly successful program and coached by some of the best. Her tenacity, energy, and fighting spirit align perfectly with our team’s ethos.”

Draft day is a whirlwind, with players often at the mercy of front office decisions. It’s undoubtedly unsettling for a player not to know their next destination or teammates. The uncertainty can strip away the agency they’ve built in their college career.

However, Reese seems to have landed in the ideal situation: with a coach familiar with her style, a GM who took a bold leap to select her, and teammates who will elevate her game.

While she may not have been the top pick, draft night marked a triumph for Angel Reese. Now, it’s her opportunity to silence any lingering doubts and prove her worth on the court.