Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in uniformChicago Sky forward Angel Reese (Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)
Despite her undeniable impact on the court and growing star power off it, Angel Reese’s No. 25 ranking stirred plenty of debate among fans and analysts. Many felt the Chicago Sky forward deserved a higher spot, especially after a rookie season where she consistently delivered double-doubles and brought a fierce competitive edge to her team. Supporters argue that Reese’s rebounding, defensive presence, and leadership qualities already make her one of the league’s rising forces. While ESPN’s ranking may seem like a slight, it could very well serve as extra motivation for Reese to silence doubters heading into her sophomore season.

Through this rookie season, Angel Reese cemented herself as a star for years to come in the WNBA and is at the center of the Chicago Sky’s franchise.

ESPN’s preseason ranking of the top 25 players in the WNBA does not think highly of her.

ESPN released a ranking of the league’s top 25 players heading into the 2025 season, and the second-year player found herself at the bottom of the list.

Reese was ranked at No. 25.

Some fans believed she did not belong on the list, while others thought she was being disrespected by being placed so low.

 

How fans reacted:

“😂 angel at 25th no wonder people don’t watch this shit she’s asssss,” one fan said.

“Angel top 15 idc,” a second fan stated.

“No way angel Reese should be 25th,” a third fan added.

“Angel at 25 is absolutely insane and invalidates the entire list 😂,” a fourth fan wrote.

“Angel Reese isn’t even a top 50 player, much less 25,” one final fan commented.

Angel Reese Did A Ton In Her First Year In The WNBA

Angel Reese sitting courtsideAngel Reese (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Reese produced one of the best rebounding seasons ever recorded in the history of the league. She set a new single-season record with 446 rebounds, breaking the previous mark held by Sylvia Fowles.

Her first year included:

WNBA All-Star as a rookie
Led the WNBA in rebounding as a rookie (13.1 per game)
Broke WNBA record with 15-straight double-doubles as a rookie
Broke WNBA single-season record for rebounds as a rookie

Her numbers and accomplishments could’ve been so much more if she hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury that stopped her rookie campaign in its tracks.