LSU’s Angel Reese explains why she decided to enter the WNBA Draft

LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese revealed her intentions to enter the WNBA Draft during an interview with Vogue, marking the end of a very successful two years in Baton Rouge for “Bayou Barbie.”

LSU coach Kim Mulkey said in February that she expected Reese to go pro after the 2023-24 season, but it was up to Reese to make it official ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline.

With an interview and a photo shoot with Vogue magazine, Reese went public with her decision. “I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese told Vogue. “I’ve won a national championship. I’ve gotten (SEC) Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro – and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”

Reese had one year of eligibility remaining on the college level, and her two years at LSU brought her new fame and an NIL valuation of $1.8 million, according to On3.

Reese acknowledged that the resources available to her at LSU surpass those that she will have in the WNBA. Flying on a private jet will no longer be the norm.

The Maryland native says she is fine with getting back to a simpler approach to the game. “I want to start at the bottom again,” Reese said. “I want to be a rookie again and build myself back up; I want to be knocked down and learn how to grow at the next level.”