Why is Angel Reese so disliked in the college basketball community? Exploring the potential reasons for LSU star catching flak from fans

Angel Reese's popularity has grown sporadically since leading LSU to the national championship in 2023. At the same time, she’s faced intense scrutiny and hate from the media and the general public.

“I’ve been through so much. I’ve seen so much," she lamented in her postgame news conference on Monday. "I’ve been attacked so many times, death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time.”

Why is Angel Reese so disliked in the college basketball community?

There could be numerous factors for the backlash Angel Reese, one of the most misunderstood stars in college athletics, has faced over the past year.

Her confidence, which she exudes through trash-talking and cockiness, hasn't always been seen in a good light despite her achievements and consistent excellence. This has pretty much presented her a polarizing figure.

Reese has reached a stage in college basketball not many can boast about, and that has attracted negative attention. She is a trailblazer who has been breaking boundaries, traits that don't go unchallenged.

“Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her,” teammate Flau'Jae Johnson said. “I know the real Angel Reese and the person I see every day is a strong person, a caring, loving person. But the crown she wears is heavy. She's the type of teammate that's going to make you believe in yourself."

A tough and resilient individual

Amid all negative attention and scrutiny, Angel Reese has remained strong and steadfast. She's been able to maintain that level of play and aura responsible for it all.

“I think Angel is one of the toughest people I’ve been around,” Hailey Van Lith, Reese's teammate, said. “People speak hate into her life. I’ve never seen people wish bad things on someone as much as her, and it does not affect her. She comes to practice every day. She lives her life every day.”

Despite the intense criticism, Reese stands tall.

“All this has happened since I won the national championship,” she said. “And it sucks, but I still wouldn’t change anything, and I would still sit here and say I’m unapologetically me. I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.”

Angel Reese has had a successful college career. Whether or not she decides to declare for the upcoming WNBA draft, she's left an indelible impact. Her career across two programs has been noteworthy and shows that she's ready for the next level.