Angel Reese’s toughness and hard-nosed style of play has sparked polarizing discussion around the WNBA world.

Some love the Chicago Sky rookie’s aggressive nature. Others have allowed it to shape their opinion of Reese as the WNBA’s “bad guy.”

Shaquille O’Neal — a fellow former LSU basketball star — has emerged as a strong mentor for Reese as she embarks on her WNBA career.

During an interview with People this year, Shaq made his opinion of Reese’s physical play style very clear.

“She had to be tough. She is tough, and she applies that on the court. Some people don’t like that and it’s understandable, but she’s not apologetic about it,” O’Neal said of Reese growing up in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I don’t want her to apologize. I want her to stay beautiful, stay classy and continue making a name for herself and taking care of her family,” he continued.

Reese most recently made headlines for her flagrant one foul on Caitlin Clark during Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts after scoring on Sunday June 16, 2024, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever beat the Sky 91-83.

© Jacob Musselman/ For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Reese faced quite a bit of backlash for this foul on social media. But if she takes O’Neal’s advice, she’ll continue to play her game unapologetically.

Reese and the Sky will face the Dallas Wings on Thursday night.