A big decision from the WNBA franchise

Angel Reese with LSU

Angel Reese with LSU

There may not have been a bigger WNBA Draft in history in terms of viewership and media attention, with Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark among the stars up for grabs.

For the Washington Mystics, however, they were prepared to look beyond Reese, despite her impressive exploits with LSU during her four-year stint in the NCAA.

The 2024 Draft saw the 21-year-old head to the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 pick, leaving the Mystics to reflect on their decision to snub the promising 6ft 3in guard.

The Mystics decided to make their move for UConn’s Aaliyah Edwards, the Canadian starlet who became the first UConn player to register 20 points and 20 rebounds since Maya Moore in 2010.

However, there was some consternation about their decision to snub Reese in favor of Edwards given her profile, and popular Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland gave his take on the situation to explain the thinking behind their snub.

Speaking to radio host Craig Hoffman on his podcast The Hoffman Show, Copeland said: “I didn’t think they were going to go the Angel route. Just because it’s more of a style of play kind of a thing at the moment. Aaliyah Edwards has a little bit more range to her game.”

Copeland also commented on Edwards‘ ability in perimeter shooting and revealed it played a big part in deciding her being drafted: “I think what it came down and she was a little bit more versatile than Angel. I think that’s what really appeal to Thibault and the Mystics,” he added.

Who will Angel Reese play with at Chicago?

Reese, of course, landed on her feet as one of the star names from this year’s draft, and it was always predicted that she would join the Sky.

She will be playing alongside another baller in Kamilla Cardoso. And ahead of the new season, the Maryland-born player dubbed herself the ‘Chi Barbie’, changing from her original ‘Bayoux Barbie’ nickname.

“Some people that reached out to me, the love from Chicago is running deep and going crazy,” Reese said.

“So I’m the Chi Barbie, the Baltimore Barbie and I am always gonna be the Bayou Barbie.