Angel Reese, despite being only one season into her WNBA career, has quickly become a well-known and influential figure in the basketball world. The Chicago Sky forward is frequently seen at both college and professional sporting events, where her presence and postgame reactions have captured the attention and admiration of fans. Her growing popularity stems not just from her play, but from her visible passion and insights shared across various platforms.
On Saturday evening, during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the Duke Blue Devils suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Houston Cougars. Duke had held a lead late in the game, but Houston staged a comeback. A potential game-winning shot by freshman standout Cooper Flagg narrowly missed in the final seconds. Shortly after, Houston’s All-American guard LJ Cryer knocked down two free throws, effectively sealing the win for the Cougars. A moment of emotion was captured as Duke guard Tyrese Proctor embraced Flagg following the defeat.
I love him man. Such a great coach!! https://t.co/7F2kB6icTg
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 6, 2025
Houston’s head coach, Kelvin Sampson, has grown into a fan favorite over recent years. With a coaching career spanning nearly five decades and close to 1,200 games, he is now just one win away from capturing his first NCAA title. His long-standing dedication and journey in college basketball have earned him widespread respect and support. After the game, LSU women’s basketball assistant coach Gary Redus posted on social media, expressing disbelief at anyone not cheering for Sampson. Angel Reese echoed that sentiment, replying with her own message of support for the veteran coach.
Following the conclusion of the women’s NCAA National Championship game on Sunday, Houston will face Florida in the men’s title game, scheduled for Monday at 8:50 p.m. EST at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Once the college season ends, the spotlight will shift to the professional ranks. The WNBA’s 2025 season opener is just around the corner, set for May 17. On opening night, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky will square off against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, marking the start of the Sky’s 20th season as a franchise. Excitement is already building for what promises to be a highly anticipated matchup between two of the league’s brightest youngstars.