Angel Reese's heartfelt four-word message reveals just how much she misses the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the game! After a demanding WNBA season, the Chicago Sky star opted to sit out Unrivaled Season 2, a decision made to allow her body to heal from injuries. But even away from the court, her passion for basketball clearly burns bright.
It's completely understandable that after a grueling WNBA campaign, Angel Reese would need some time to recover. She's been seen courtside, reportedly cheering on her rumored boyfriend, Wendell Carter Jr., during Orlando Magic games. However, this time away from the hardwood has only intensified her desire to compete. These feelings surface months after she made the crucial decision to prioritize her physical well-being before the upcoming WNBA season.
Recently, a fan shared a clip on X showcasing Reese's defensive prowess from last year's Unrivaled season. The footage captured her guarding Napheesa Collier, the co-founder of Unrivaled, just beyond the three-point line. With her impressive wingspan, Reese expertly stripped the ball from Collier as she attempted to drive to the basket. Even after regaining possession, Collier's second attempt to get past Reese resulted in another fumble. Brittney Sykes swooped in to grab the loose ball and quickly passed it to a streaking Reese, who capitalized with an easy layup before the defense could react.
This clip was just one of several highlighting the 23-year-old's stellar performance during Unrivaled's inaugural season. Sharing this particular highlight, Reese posted, "ugh i kinda miss it" along with a crying emoji, a poignant expression of her longing to be back on the court. Her absence from the Unrivaled roster this season did not go unnoticed by fans, who took to X to share their thoughts.
One fan expressed their disappointment, stating, "No Angel Reese season 2 unrivaled?! I actually can't handle this day right now... (she's booked and busy, I know that and I am soooooo happy for her and can't wait to see what more she's going to do this off season)." This sentiment highlights the strong fan base Reese has garnered.
Another fan offered a more detailed perspective, suggesting that Reese's break was a necessary step given her demanding schedule. They pointed out her continuous play, from college to her rookie WNBA year, followed by Unrivaled, with injuries impacting her seasons. "Ok walk with me here. Angel went from college szn to rookie yr. A wrist injury cut it short. Then went straight to Unrivaled. The same wrist (I think) cut that short. Then went straight to year 2 W szn. A back injury cut that short. She has a long career ahead of her. An offseason is well deserved," the fan posted. This perspective raises an interesting question: Is it more beneficial for athletes to push through minor discomfort or to take extended breaks to prevent long-term issues?
Despite her hiatus from playing, Reese has remained remarkably active. She recently traveled to Europe to support Carter and the Orlando Magic during their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Furthermore, she made history as the first professional athlete to participate in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, an event that took place shortly after the 2025 season concluded. Reese has also been strategically expanding her brand beyond basketball, acknowledging that her WNBA salary alone isn't sufficient to maintain her desired lifestyle. This move towards diversifying income streams is becoming increasingly common among athletes, but does it signal a shift in priorities away from solely focusing on the sport itself?
What are your thoughts on Angel Reese's decision to take a hiatus? Do you agree with fans who believe she needs this break, or do you think she should have participated in Unrivaled Season 2? Let us know in the comments below!
