WNBA legend shares doubts about immediate dominance for Angel Reese at the next level

When it comes to LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese, there’s no denying her dominance at the college level. However, recently, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes shared some thoughts on the forward and how she could struggle early on at the next level.

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes warns of tough road ahead for Angel Reese

Whether it be on or off the court, LSU forward Angel Reese has found ways to impact the game of women’s basketball for years now. After beginning her career at in-state Maryland, there was no doubt she was a rising star, but it was a transfer after her sophomore season that would eventually solidify her as a name to know in college athletics.

Now, after just one and a half seasons with the purple and gold in Baton Rouge, Reese is a multi-year All-American, a national champion and one of the top-10 NIL earners in the country.

What a journey it has been for Angel Reese 🙌

🏀 Committed to playing at Maryland in 2020 as the No. 2 player in the nation
🏀 Transferred to LSU after an up and down two years with Maryland
🏀 Earned unanimous first-team All-American
🏀 Won MOP and a national championship pic.twitter.com/Dl5lm3VRzu

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 3, 2023

Naturally, with this being her fourth season in college, discussions of the WNBA are now beginning to stir for the LSU women’s basketball star. Of course, with her abundant NIL deals and a COVID-19 redshirt year, she may not be ready to leave the college ranks, but this is likely a decision she’ll make down the line.

Regardless of when she does end up making the jump, it’s pretty widely accepted that she’ll not only be a high draft pick, but could be a force early on in her professional career. However, despite popular opinion, it has the potential to be a bit more challenging than many anticipate.

Recently, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes joined Gil’s Arena hosted by Gilbert Arenas to discuss a variety of topics, including women’s basketball and the WNBA. Notably, during their discussion, she had some interesting takes on the idea of how Angel Reese and Iowa guard Caitlin Clark would translate to the next level.

“I think Angel will eventually be a good pro,” the Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer began. “I don’t think Angel will come into the league immediately and dominate the way people think she will. And I say that for people who have never watched a WNBA game.”

“It’s good. There’s talent. These women can play. And because there are very few roster spots. It’s a real job, so people look at new players coming in, whether that’s out of college, players who have been over seas, and they look at that and say, ‘Oh, you’re trying to come take my job?’ No, it’s not going to be that easy.”‘

Sheryl Swoopes says the WNBA will NOT be an easy transition for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/R3WN36yDop

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) January 31, 2024

In her time as a player, Swoopes was able to put together one of the most decorated basketball careers we’ve ever seen. Among many accomplishments, the former Texas Tech Lady Raider was a four-time WNBA champion, three-time WNBA MVP and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Generally, when she has something to say about the world of women’s basketball, it’s a wise decision to listen.

Notably, Swoopes shared a similar sentiment when referencing Caitlin Clark‘s transition to the next level, as she could find her way onto a WNBA roster in 2024. She felt that the senior Hawkeye will be a good pro, but it likely won’t happen immediately.

Regardless of when both star women’s college basketball players end up taking the jump to the next level, there’s little doubt that in their time with the sport, they already have and will likely continue to do incredible things, no matter which team they end up on.

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