Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese isn’t just one of the biggest names in the WNBA at 22 years old; for the last year, Reese has been at the top of headlines all over sports

She’s a rookie at the professional level, but Reese’s stardom was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the LSU Tigers way before she stepped foot on the WNBA hardwood.

Reese spent two seasons with LSU after the Baltimore native transferred from the Maryland Terrapins in 2022.

During her two-year stint in Louisiana, Reese averaged 20.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game en route to a national championship in 2023 and an Elite 8 appearance in 2024.

With the national title ring, Reese cemented her name in LSU history, joining legendary alums like Justin Jefferson, Ben Simmons, Joe Burrow, Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal.

Angel Reese, Chicago Sky© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

O’Neal, in particular, has been vocal about Reese’s success with the Tigers. It’s been reported that O’Neal shares an incredible relationship with the Sky rookie.

He was in attendance for Reese’s senior game in 2024 and walked with her to receive her jersey alongside her mother.

O’Neal has been side-by-side with Reese for quite some time, and with all the scrutiny Reese has taken, he’s been there for support.

“When you’re a champion, you’re allowed to TYS: talk your stuff,” said O’Neal via People.

Reese grew up with her mother and younger brother Julian, who currently plays college basketball at Maryland.

While both of her parents played college basketball, as well as professional basketball, during their early careers, Reese reportedly never carried a close relationship with her father.

She’s been quiet about family issues inside the household, but Reese has been quick to call O’Neal a true father figure.

“He’s super inspiring to me,” Reese said, via Lindsay Schnell at USA Today. “He’s so genuine, he’s been there for me through tough times. He just gets it, and there’s not a more perfect person for me to be tight with.

We have fun, and if I need anything, he would help me … and he would do that even if I never played basketball again. He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person.”

O’Neal has backed his role as a father figure for Reese, previously sharing his true thoughts on his role in Reese’s life.

“I am described as Angel’s understandable ear… 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,” said O’Neal via People.

The Sky rookie has done quite well for herself with O’Neal by her side.

She’s been one of the best rookies in the league, averaging 11.4 points and 9.2 rebounds. Reese has played a large role in Chicago’s 4-5 record, transforming into a starter for the Sky early in her career.

She may receive backlash for her battles with Caitlin Clark, shooting efficiency, and even her demeanor, but Reese has the right people around her to stay focused on the task at hand, which is growing women’s basketball.