Angel Reese was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press on Sunday, earning this prestigious award for the first time and ending A’ja Wilson’s recent dominance, as Wilson had claimed the honor three times in the past four years. The former LSU standout led the league in rebounds for the third consecutive season and ranked third in total steals. Standing six-foot-four, Reese accumulated 521 rebounds—315 of which were defensive rebounds—and 77 steals throughout the regular season, averaging 12.1 rebounds (the best in the league) and 1.8 steals per game.
In her debut season with the Atlanta Dream, Reese broke multiple WNBA records, including becoming the first player to surpass 500 rebounds in a single campaign and setting the single-season record for double-doubles. Known for her ability to guard any position and control rebounds on both offense and defense, Reese has established herself as a defensive powerhouse.
Reese aims to help the Atlanta Dream secure their first playoff victory since 2018, marking a milestone both for the franchise and for her personally, as she missed the postseason in each of her first two years with the Chicago Sky, who selected her seventh overall in the 2024 draft.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Former LSU star Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
Fan Take: This announcement highlights the rise of a new defensive superstar in the WNBA, signaling a shift in league dynamics and showcasing the incredible talent coming out of college programs like LSU. Reese’s impact not only boosts the Dream’s playoff hopes but also raises the competition level for defenders league-wide, making the game even more thrilling for fans.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
