As Paige Bueckers prepares for her highly-anticipated entry into the WNBA, a tribute post by the league’s official Instagram page has sparked a wave of controversy – and Angel Reese is at the center of it.
Fresh off a sensational season with UConn, Bueckers cemented her legacy by averaging 19.9 points and shooting over 53% from the field. She capped off her college career with an unforgettable run in the NCAA Tournament, delivering three consecutive 30-point performances when it mattered most.
Now, with Bueckers set to take the next step into the professional ranks, the WNBA decided to mark the moment with a tribute graphic celebrating her journey – but it was the choice of players featured alongside her that caused social media to erupt.
Angel Reese’s inclusion triggers backlash from WNBA fans
The post depicted Bueckers looking up at some of the league’s past No. 1 overall draft picks – but also included Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky star who was selected seventh overall in last year’s draft.
Many fans were quick to point out that Reese‘s presence alongside legends like Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson seemed out of place given the context of the tribute. Social media users didn’t hold back, with one writing, “Reese over Napheesa? C’mon.” Another added, “Ummm they put Angel Reese instead of Kelsey Plum.”
Others called for the inclusion of Sabrina Ionescu instead.
However, defenders of Reese were quick to highlight that Lisa Leslie, who was also featured in the graphic, was selected seventh overall – just like Reese. Some felt the backlash had less to do with draft position and more to do with Reese‘s outspoken persona and rapid rise to fame.
“The Angel Reese hate is getting so out of control! It really bothers y’all that she is a young, successful, and Black woman,” one fan commented.
Reese remains a pivotal figure in the WNBA’s growing popularity
Regardless of the criticism, there’s little denying Reese‘s influence on the sport.
Alongside Caitlin Clark, Reese helped deliver record-breaking television audiences during her rookie season. Their rivalry, which originated in college basketball, has become one of the WNBA’s hottest storylines.
Last season’s Fever vs. Sky game featuring Clark and Reese pulled in 1.6 million viewers, peaking at 1.92 million – among the league’s most-watched games in two decades. It’s no surprise, then, that the WNBA will spotlight their rivalry in its first-ever Rival Week this season.
While the debate over the graphic’s accuracy rages on, the message remains clear – the next generation of WNBA stars, led by Bueckers, Clark, Reese, and others, is poised to elevate the league to new heights.
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