Angel Reese Fans FURIOUS as She’s Unfairly Ranked ‘Worst’ WNBA Star After One Blowout – What’s Really Going On?
If you’ve been anywhere near sports Twitter—or X—over the past week, you know the WNBA hasn’t been this loud on social media in years. And right at the center? Rookie sensation Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. But instead of celebrating her gritty style and transformative impact, Reese and her devoted fanbase are reeling—furious at rankings calling her “the worst” WNBA star after a single tough loss. What happened, why is Angel being singled out, and what’s the real story behind the outrage?
Let’s break down the drama, the stats, and the growing culture clash lighting the league on fire.
Who Is Angel Reese—And Why Does She Have So Many Fans?
First, a refresher: Angel Reese is not your average rookie. The 2023 NCAA champion, “Bayou Barbie,” and social media magnet exploded into the national spotlight at LSU, leading her team to a dramatic title victory and blazing a trail for unapologetic female athletes. With her famous swagger, standout rebounding, and ability to back up the talk, Reese became a role model for millions—particularly young Black women—who saw themselves in her confidence and competitive drive.
When she entered the WNBA as the No. 7 overall pick, expectations were sky-high. Not only did Reese bring with her a gigantic online following, she arrived amid a seismic shift in women’s basketball, with big personalities and bold storylines taking center stage.
The Blowout That Sparked a Backlash
But, as we all know, fandom can turn fierce—especially when their star gets knocked down. In one recent game, the Chicago Sky took a heavy loss against a more experienced squad, with Angel struggling from the field and wrestling through rookie mistakes. The stat line wasn’t pretty: single-digit points, poor shooting percentage, more turnovers than usual.
It’s the kind of night every rookie (and even every star) endures. But what happened next took things to another level:
In the aftermath, several major sports outlets and basketball blogs updated their rookie and player rankings. Shockingly, some lists slotted Reese dead last among starters—declaring her “the worst WNBA star.” The phrasing, splashed on social media and amplified by click-hungry headlines, poured gasoline on an already-smoldering fire.
Her fans were instantly outraged. “How can you call her the WORST after one game?” “This is disgusting disrespect!” “You’d never do this to Caitlin Clark!” The Sky faithful and Reese’s LSU supporters flooded the comments, defending her style and talent while calling out what they saw as unfair, misogynistic, and at times racially coded criticism.
Why Are These Rankings So Controversial?
Basketball is a numbers business, but context matters—a LOT.
Here’s why many fans (and even some analysts) believe the “worst” label is totally off base:
1. Rookie Growing Pains Are Normal
Nearly every rookie enters the league with an adjustment period. The WNBA is the highest level of competition; veterans are stronger, faster, and more skilled than typical college opponents. Few players, even the all-time greats, make an instant, superstar leap.
2. The Sky Are Rebuilding
Chicago isn’t a contender—yet. The team lost veteran leaders in the offseason and is now actively developing young core talent. Losses, and lopsided ones at that, are simply part of the building process.
3. Reese’s Numbers Still Impress
Despite up-and-down performances, Reese regularly puts up double-doubles, leads rookie rebounders, and plays strong defense. Her impact, especially on the boards and in energizing teammates, goes far beyond the final score sheet.
4. Double Standards in Coverage
Here’s the real heart of the issue: Female athletes, and especially outspoken Black women, are often held to an unfair standard. Fans point out that when white high-profile stars like Caitlin Clark or Sabrina Ionescu struggle, media narratives center on “adjustment periods” and “learning curves.” In contrast, Reese is hit with outright negative superlatives—“worst”—instead of patience. For many, it smacks of bias.
More Than A Game: The Cultural Collision in Women’s Hoops
This firestorm isn’t really about one basketball game. It’s about the seismic change happening in the WNBA right now—one where athletes like Angel Reese, unapologetic and bold, demand respect on their own terms.
For years, women’s basketball labored in the shadow of the NBA, its stars told to be humble, grateful, and quiet. But this new generation is rejecting that mold. Reese, along with the likes of Clark, A’ja Wilson, and others, are bringing more attention and personality into the spotlight. The league is seeing record ratings for the first time—and growing pains come with bigger spotlights.
Racial dynamics can’t be ignored, either. Reese’s confidence and style—trash talking, taunting, flexing—are cheered by some but criticized heavily by others. Her fans perceive the harshest slights as coded attempts to keep her “in her place,” and they’re not having it.
So…Is Angel Reese Really the ‘Worst’ WNBA Star?
Let the numbers speak: NO CHANCE.
Sure, she’s had rough nights. So have all young pros. But even in the face of tough defenses, Reese ranks near the top of rookie rebounders, is a double-double threat in almost every game, and brings an infectious energy to her team. She’s learning, evolving—and, perhaps most importantly, unapologetically herself while millions watch.
To label her “the worst” after a single poor outing isn’t just unfair—it’s clickbait culture at its worst.
What Happens Next?
Angel Reese’s fans are right to be angry. The rookie deserves patience, support, and balanced coverage. More importantly, her journey underscores a WNBA on the brink of something huge—where young, bold players can thrive and the league can finally embrace both excellence and personality.
So let’s keep tuning in, keep debating—and give these stars, Reese included, the space to grow into greatness.
After all, if there’s one thing we’ve learned? Angel Reese isn’t going anywhere but up. And so is the WNBA.
