LSU women’s basketball team’s trip to the Final Four
The women’s basketball team of Louisiana State University has made it to the Final Four, and one of their key players is Angel Reese. A 6-foot-3 forward, Reese transferred from Maryland to LSU, seeking a fresh start under head coach Kim Mulkey. Her numbers are among the best in the nation, and she holds the SEC single-season record for double-doubles with 32.
Despite playing in a tough league and having a weak nonconference schedule, LSU managed to overcome all odds and reach the Final Four. Coach Mulkey focused on building a championship team and brought in nine new players, including elite freshmen Flau’jae Johnson and Sa’Myah Smith. The theme of the season was “Piece it together,” and Mulkey had a clear directive for each player and coach to pull their own weight and buy-in.
Reese played a critical role in leading LSU to this year’s women’s Final Four. Along with Johnson and Alexis Morris who contributed greatly to the team’s success, Reese averaged a double-double. Morris provided a veteran presence, bouncing back from considering quitting basketball to help take the team to the Final Four. Coach Mulkey loves coaching players others may not want to coach and pushing them to reach their potential. She wants her legacy to include seeing players she helped get a degree or diploma.
Angel Reese’s journey to the Final Four
Reese started playing basketball at four years old, working hard every day towards her dreams. After transferring from Maryland, she received a sudden call from Kateri Poole who was determined to play for LSU under Coach Kim Mulkey. That call changed her life forever as it led her down to Louisiana.
Despite arriving at LSU with much fanfare as one of the nation’s top recruits, Reese has exceeded expectations on the court. She hopes to keep her newfound success going and lead LSU to a national championship as they face Virginia Tech at 7 p.m. ET Friday in the Final Four.
Angel Reese’s success in cashing in on LSU basketball’s NIL deals
It’s not just Reese’s success on the court that is turning heads – she is also making a name for herself off the court. According to a recent report from SponsorUnited, Reese has more NIL deals than any other player in college basketball with a stunning total of 17.
LSU’s NIL program was one of the reasons why Reese chose the school. Her success in the NIL space is attributed to LSU’s robust NIL program that can help her with branding and taxes. Women’s basketball NIL deals have increased by 186% this season compared to the previous season, while men’s basketball deals have increased by 67%.
Despite her impressive list of NIL deals, Reese remains focused on basketball and the opportunities it provides her. She is discerning in choosing which deals to accept, only accepting those that are authentically aligned with her branding and interests.
Reese has plans to trademark her name “Bayou Barbie” and looks forward to continuing her journey both on and off the court. She aims to stay in college as long as possible before continuing her legacy into the WNBA, where she could potentially become a dominant force.
Conclusion
Angel Reese has taken college basketball by storm both on and off the court. Her journey to LSU and work ethic led to greatness and an opportunity in front of millions of viewers as they face Virginia Tech at 7 p.m. ET Friday in the Final Four. Reese’s perseverance and hard work have earned her a spot among college basketball’s brightest stars, with endless possibilities for what lies ahead.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
