Angel Reese was one of the highly anticipated WNBA prospects in the 2024 Draft class, alongside the likes of Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink. Following her two impressive seasons with the LSU Tigers, she was picked seventh overall by the Chicago Sky. Now, fans are wondering what her jersey number is going to be.
Reese will be rocking No. 5 on her jersey for the Sky. Meanwhile, her fellow Chicago rookie Kamilla Cardoso (third overall) will wear No. 10.
While playing for the LSU Tigers, Reese used No. 10 on her jersey. She played for the Maryland Terrapins during her first two seasons in college basketball.
Angel Reese received advice from an NBA legend before the start of her WNBA career
Speaking with CNN's Ben Morse, Angel Reese talked about remaining ecstatic in beginning her WNBA journey while understanding the potential of her draft class to do something incredible on a bigger stage.
With all the pressure and anticipation surrounding her, the former LSU Tigers forward received some advice from LA Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal.
"Yeah, I talked to [O'Neal]," Reese said. "He congratulated me after I got drafted, of course. “He talked to me about when he went into the league as a rookie and just being able to go in and just try to dominate and just be able to learn and understand, but don’t take any prisoners. Go in with an open mindset, of course, but you know what’s on the line and what you want to live up to.”
Interestingly, O'Neal highlighted finding the right balance in being an open-minded rookie who takes every kind of experience in her first year with patience and understanding. However, Shaquille O'Neal doesn't want Reese to drop her competitive spirit, which she also became known for during her collegiate level.
This was evident during the 15-time NBA All-Star's rookie campaign in the league with the Orlando Magic. He was considered one of the most exciting young stars in the NBA then, and he continued to get better on the court while improving his basketball IQ.
O'Neal envisions the same path for Angel Reese, who is no stranger to showcasing her dominance on the basketball court as an intimidating presence. During her final stint at LSU, she averaged 18.6 points (47.1% shooting), 13.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Despite coming up short in delivering another NCAA championship, it remained an incredible individual season for her.