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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Angel Reese is ready to take on her next challenge. There she was, confidently posing for shots from various spots on the court. Her anticipation clearly showed that something big was on the horizon. Just two days later, she’s preparing for her debut in the newest 3×3 league in women’s basketball, Unrivaled.

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But before she hits the court as the W’s leader in rebounds, Reese had some thoughts to share. And what better way to do that than on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel? In the latest episode, she teamed up with fellow WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith to dive into a conversation about Unrivaled and more.

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During the chat, Reese opened up about one of the challenges she faced with the Chicago Sky. She pointed out the youth of her team, saying, “My Chicago team was young, so I didn’t have a lot of vets.” She’s not wrong. The oldest player on the Sky’s roster is 31 years old.

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USA Today via Reuters

Reese explained how, as a rookie, being surrounded by young players had its ups and downs. She was learning, but she didn’t have as much veteran presence to guide her. However, she sees Unrivaled as a great opportunity to soak up wisdom from more experienced players. “Just being around this group every day, you get to see how they prepare, how they recover, and how they handle game situations,” Reese shared.

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But the challenges didn’t end there for the 22-year-old Maryland native. Since joining the W, she’s had to deal with some difficult departures, particularly the departure of people close to her. First, it was head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, and now, Chennedy Carter is on her way out too.

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Clocks tick away for GM while Angel Reese struggles on and off court.

This has clearly affected Reese, who doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind. When she heard that Carter wasn’t going to receive a qualifying offer, Reese took to her X account to offer support to her teammate. “Everybody is in your life for a reason & a season,” she wrote, showing her solidarity with Carter.

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But it’s not just about Carter’s departure. It’s also about what her departure means for the Sky on the court. Carter was the team’s top scorer, averaging 17.5 points per game, and losing her could have a big impact on the team’s performance, especially after a tough season.

On top of that, the trio of Carter, Reese, and Kamila Cardoso was starting to form some serious chemistry. But with Carter’s exit, that dynamic will change, and Reese knows this won’t be easy to overcome.

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But, still, Sky’s GM Jeff Pagliocca has got a chance. He has until January 20th to extend an offer to Carter before she becomes an unrestricted free agent and looks for new opportunities. So, what’s next for the Sky? Will they find a way to keep Carter, or will they be forced to move forward without one of their biggest stars?

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Yashika Dutta

2,141 Articles

Yashika Dutta is a Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the NCAA, WNBA, and Olympics. A member of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, she specializes in the high-stakes energy of college basketball, with features on the Big Ten Conference and the chaos of March Madness that bring fans right to the hardwood. Her coverage has even caught the attention of UConn coaches and Olympian Rori Dunk, earning her recognition for both accuracy and insight. A former state-level basketball player, Yashika channels her on-court experience into reporting that captures the game’s intensity beyond the box score. With a player’s sense of timing and a journalist’s instinct for storytelling, she shines a light on rising stars like Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, while unpacking the pressures and triumphs that shape college hoops. Whether charting a Big Ten rivalry or chronicling the ethos of March Madness, Yashika connects fans to the heart of the game with energy and authenticity.

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Reyan Mishra

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