Sue Bird can already see the havoc Angel Reese can do in Unrivaled, a 3x3 basketball tournament co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The four-time WNBA champ previewed the competition, which will start on Friday in Miami.
In the A Touch More podcast with co-host Megan Rapinoe on Wednesday, Bird introduced what she called the “All-Menace Team." For the Seattle Storm legend, Reese will undoubtedly be a menace on the court.
Here’s what she said about how the Rose BC forward will earn a ticket to that group:
(15:02 mark)
“If you thought Angel Reese could rebound when there’s nine other people around her? What’s gonna happen when there’s only five and two of them on her team? It’s gonna be crazy.”
Angel Reese finished last season with 13.1 rebounds per game, the best in the WNBA. She hauled 446 boards in 34 games, finishing second to MVP A’ja Wilson, who had 451 in four more games. Both the Chi Barbie and Wilson surpassed the previous single-season record of 404 set by Sylvia Fowles in 2018.
Sue Bird emphasized that the 70-foot Unrivaled court, smaller than the regular 90-foot in the WNBA, and 3x3 rules will showcase the skills of players. Bird included Brittney Sykes, Jordin Canada, Tiffany Hayes and Marina Mabrey in her “All-Menace Team.” The co-host predicts that all will cause “chaos” when they are on the court.
Sue Bird claims conditioning will be key for Angel Reese and all players to succeed
The 3x3 Unrivaled league will be played in a full-court style game using four seven-minute quarters. Sue Bird claimed that with such a format, there is one factor that will determine the success of the players.
(6:48 mark)
“I do think there is one key component to this for all the players, which is conditioning. I think conditioning in 3x3 can really set you apart. You can’t hide [and] you’re in more in the actions, offensively and defensively.
Angel Reese and most participants in the tournament began working out in November. How that preparation has helped them in their conditioning will be revealed starting Friday.
The tournament co-founders will open the hostilities. Breanna Stewart’s Mist BC will take on Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Bowls for the first game on opening night. Reese and Rose BC square off against Aliyah Boston and Vinyl BC in the encore.