Angel Reese, the dynamic forward for the Chicago Sky, recently made waves with a bold statement about her upcoming Reebok signature sneaker that could leave even Nike executives scratching their heads. The former LSU star, who inked a deal with the resurging Reebok brand, confidently predicted that her shoe will be as widely worn as the legendary Air Jordans.
Reese’s connection to Reebok goes beyond just signing a contract. Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA superstar and current President of Basketball at Reebok, shares a close bond with Reese. They were even bizarrely shown playing on the same team in a recent promotional campaign.
This alliance has undoubtedly helped pave the way for Reese’s signature shoe deal, signaling a strong commitment from the brand to elevate her presence in the basketball and sneaker worlds.
The highly anticipated sneaker, named the Angel Reese 1, is set for release on September 18, just a little over a month away. Reese believes the unisex sneaker’s old-school design and vibe will capture the market’s attention.
“Reebok is back,” Reese told Elle magazine, passionately expressing her enthusiasm. “We’re bringing back that old-school look, the old-school vibes. People are going to be wearing Reebok everywhere, just like how they wear Jordans everywhere.”
Ambitions amidst setbacks
While Reese’s confidence in her shoe is sky-high, her current situation on the court is more uncertain. She is sidelined with a back injury that threatens to end her season prematurely. Some critics have speculated that the injury may be fabricated as a way to step back from the team, though these accusations lack concrete evidence.
At just 23 years old, Reese has been an essential player for the Chicago Sky, averaging a solid 14 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 21 appearances this season. Despite her individual success, the team has struggled, holding the second-worst record in the WNBA and facing slim prospects for a playoff berth.
Her vision for her signature shoe remains undimmed by these setbacks. Reese wants the Angel Reese 1 to become a household name with limitless potential for growth and influence. While comparing her shoe’s potential popularity to Jordans is a lofty goal-given Michael Jordan’s enduring impact on sneaker culture, Reese’s ambition highlights a new era of competition in basketball footwear.
Reebok’s comeback efforts hinge in part on star athletes like Reese, who bring fresh energy and credibility to the brand. Whether the Angel Reese 1 sneaker will achieve widespread cultural relevance remains to be seen, but the audacity of Reese’s claim has certainly grabbed attention in the sports and fashion worlds.
Read the full article here
