Is Angel Reese draft eligible? Exploring NCAA champion’s WNBA prospects

Angel Reese has become the newest women's basketball player to become a household name. The LSU star plays with an admirable spunk and has the talent to back it up, which was on display during the national championship victory on Sunday. Reese isn't draft-eligible yet, though.

Reese finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in the 102-85 win. She also made headlines for letting Iowa star Caitlin Clark hear all about LSU securing the title. The clips of her talking trash have gone viral and split the internet on how acceptable her actions were.

Regardless of your thoughts on the interaction, the impressive performance of Reese and LSU cannot be ignored. The two-time AP All-American has established herself as one of the most dominant players in the sport, and LSU might not have won the championship without her.

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What's next for Angel Reese?

This was Reese's first season at LSU and third in college after spending her first two years at Maryland.

The 6-foot-3 forward took a massive step forward this season, averaging 23.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.

The Maryland native broke the LSU and SEC records for double-doubles and won the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player Award. She also set the SEC rebounding record and earned first-team All-American, first-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive team honors this season.

Angel Reese will have a chance to add to her collegiate legacy next season, as she's not eligible to declare for the WNBA draft until 2024. That's because, as per WNBA rules, players must wait until their graduation year to become eligible.

The 2024 draft is set to be a loaded class with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink set to hear their names called. Even with a star-studded class, most expect Reese to be a top five pick.

Angel Reese has her sights set on the WNBA when the time comes and mentioned that as part of her motivation for moving to LSU. She talked about how the system could get her more ready for the professional level, and things seem to be working according to plan.

For now, she will be focused on pursuing another championship next season. With most of the core of the team returning and a strong incoming recruiting class, LSU cannot be counted out. Angel Reese is likely to be at the heart of everything and will look to continue climbing the ranks of NCAAW next year with the same swagger.