WNBA star Angel Reese made a heartfelt appearance at the Chase Center in San Francisco to support her younger brother, Julian Reese, as he competed in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.
Julian, a key player for the Maryland Terrapins, put up a strong effort against the Florida Gators, contributing 12 points and eight rebounds. However, Maryland fell short, losing 87-71 and ending their tournament run.
Angel, who now plays for the Chicago Sky, was a visible presence throughout the game, proudly wearing a custom outfit featuring Julian’s number and the phrase “I’m from Baltimore,” paying homage to their roots. She cheered passionately from the sidelines alongside their mother, Angel Webb Reese, demonstrating unwavering support for her brother.
However, attention was on Reese for all the wrong reasons when former NBA coach, Stan van Gundy, elected to poke fun at her steely facial expression during his duties as a color commentator.
Van Gundy sarcastically stated that he needed to see Reese “calm down” because she showed too much emotion.
The Angel Reese comment upset people, and his overall broadcasting skills struck a nerve with fans.
“Stan van Gundy is awful,” one fan said.
A family built on basketball
The Reese family’s deep connection to basketball has played a pivotal role in shaping both Angel and Julian’s careers.
Angel began her college basketball journey at the University of Maryland before transferring to LSU, where she helped lead the Tigers to their first national championship in 2023. Now a rising star in the WNBA, she continues to be a strong advocate for her brother’s success.
Julian has also carved out his own path in the sport, reaching a significant milestone by securing his 1,000th career rebound during Maryland’s victory over Colorado State in the second round of the tournament. With his college career wrapping up, he now looks ahead to potential professional opportunities, including the upcoming NBA Draft.
Their mother, a former basketball player at UMBC, has been a guiding force in both siblings’ careers, instilling the values of hard work and perseverance. Following the game, Angel took to social media to express her pride in Julian’s journey and excitement for what’s next.
Despite Maryland’s loss, the Reese family’s passion for basketball remains stronger than ever, with both Angel and Julian continuing to make their mark on the sport.
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