Angel Reese's brilliant rookie season with Sky fueled by 'relentless' desire for offensive rebounds

Chicago's All-Star rookie is rebounding at a rate the WNBA has never seen

By Jack Maloney Aug 23, 2024 at 6:52 am ET• 4 min read

Offensive rebounding is one of the most basic actions on a basketball court. But to do it effectively on a consistent basis you need a rare combination of traits: an indefatigable spirit, strength and athleticism and a natural understanding of angles and positioning. 

In other words, you need to be wired like Angel Reese. 

The Chicago Sky's star rookie has been a historic force on the boards since making her professional debut three months ago. Her 12.3 rebounds per game not only lead the league, but would be the highest single-season mark ever. It is specifically her work on the offensive glass that has everyone talking. There, too, she is putting up tremendous numbers: a league-best five per game, which no one besides Hall of Famer Yolanda Griffith has ever done. 

"That's her. That's all her," Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon said. "That's grit and grind like we always say. It's a will and a want to … That's all her desire to go get a rebound and create second-chance opportunities. That's what the game is all about."

After racking up numerous accolades in college, including leading LSU to the 2023 championship, Reese fell to No. 7 in the 2024 WNBA Draft, largely due to concerns about how her unrefined offensive game would translate. There were no such fears about her willingness and ability to do all of the little things that contribute to winning.