Angel Reese has risen to prominence in both sports and social media, but sources are saying her fame might be affecting her outlook
Women’s college basketball star Angel Reese did not play in the second half of LSU’s 109-79 blowout victory over Kent State last week. Now, sources are saying that her attitude – and a rift with Tigers’ coach Kim Mulkey – might be the main reasons why.
Reese, 21, rose to fame as she and LSU electrified audiences on their way to the 2023 NCAA Championship. The team’s Final Four showdown with Iowa, where Angel Reese would face rival Kaitlin Clark, was the most-watched women’s college game ever – with a whopping 9.9 million viewers. In the midst of it all? The girl that has become known as ‘The Bayou Barbie’ shot to social media stardom, thanks to her great play, good looks, and a boatload of natural charisma.
Unfortunately, fame often comes with a price. And if sources close to the school are to be believed, then the basketballer may have gotten a little too big for her britches down in Baton Rouge.
In the game against Kent State, LSU was heavily favored but only led 39-37 at the half. Angel Reese had 11 points and five rebounds in 13 minutes overall, but she did not play in the second half. Instead, freshman phenom Mikaylah Williams filled the scoring void, with 42 points against the Golden Flashes.
But the plot thickened when Angle Reese NCAA women’s basketball tournament was nowhere to be seen during the Tigers’ game against Southeastern Louisiana.
No explanation was given for her absence, and LSU head coach Kim Mulkey didn’t give much of an explanation. In fact, she discussed Reese’s potential return in a rather ambiguous manner.
“Angel was not in uniform. Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope she’s back with the team soon. I’m not gonna answer any more than that,” Mulkey said.
All of this comes amongst speculation that Angel Reese has slipped academically and her eligibility has been questioned. At the same time, she has had some social media and has often displayed a ‘prima donna attitude’ – at least in the opinions of her critics and even some former teammates. And the number of detractors only continues to grow, especially in light of recent events.
However, Mulkey didn’t want to get into off-the-court issues, and it’s clear that she’s trying to keep the relationship between Angel Reese, the team, and the university intact. She will need to… if she wants the Bayou Bengals to go back-to-back in 2024.
“Well, if you’re going to ask me social media stuff, I can cut you off (right there),” Mulkey said. “I know nothing about it. Anybody in here can tell you, I don’t know what’s on social media. I don’t know what people see, read, whatever. Buddy, I’ve been doing this for 40 years. If there’s negative stuff on social media, do you think it’s the first time I’ve ever had to deal with it? Coach. Just coach and get your team prepared.”
During the offseason, Angel Reese starred in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit spread, appeared in a Cardi B music video, and became Rebook’s first signed athlete under Shaquille O’Neal. It’s expected that she’ll make millions in endorsement dollars for far longer than her hardwood career lasts. Perhaps that day is arriving sooner, rather than later.
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