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After the excitement of being the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has passed, Angel Reese has a new mission: to demonstrate that the Chicago Sky made the best decision by incorporating her into their ranks. If her first practice is any indication, it surely was.
Reese prides herself on being an excellent defender. However, the WNBA is a different jungle. Simply put, the difference between the rules will be quite a challenge for Chi-Barbie, who has already had her first reality check.
In a talk with the media, Reese admitted that she was unaware of the three-second rule. According to the WNBA rule book, a defensive player cannot remain in the paint zone for more than three seconds, unless she is actively guarding an offensive player.
The former LSU Tigers forward was honest about it, saying: "One thing I do need to adjust to is the 3-second call. I didn't know about that. I didn't have much knowledge on defensive three seconds, so just being able to learn that."
It was a good first practice for Reese
It was a minor setback for a rookie on her first day on the job. However, being able to observe her new teammates in action was of great help to Reese, facing an intense preseason in which she will have to adjust to a whole new work environment.
In this regard, Reese assured that she has felt protected and appreciated by her colleagues. "They embrace me so much, they don't treat me like a rookie, so I feel at home," she assured.
At the end of her first training session, next to fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, Reese allowed herself a playful moment with reporters: "Actually I wasn't as bad as I thought I was gonna be. I thought it was gonna be crazy."
Reese and her new head coach
Her first practice left Reese with a number of lessons. Among them, having experienced first-hand the coaching style of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon began her career as a player in European leagues, eventually landing in the ranks of the New York Liberty in 1997 and retiring from it with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2004.
Of Weatherspoon, Reese said, "She's been super intense. I love a coach that's fiery. Brings energy every day. You know what you're gonna get from her. She's going to bring the best out of you every single day."
Chi-Barbie was not unfamiliar with Weatherspoon's style. Her previous coach, Kim Mulkey, had the same level of intensity in practices and games. "You want someone to push you every day out of greatness because I don't wanna have an off day," she assured.
Later, Reese took to her social media to give her followers a glimpse of her experience. "Great first day of training camp! I love it here!" she finished off enthusiastically.