Chicago Sky Player Reacts to Big Angel Reese Change Before Fever Game
The Chicago Sky were a talented team last year, but failed to make the postseason under head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese were the team's two high points, but it was not enough for a playoff berth.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca kept his job, but he and new coach Tyler Marsh have plenty of work to do. The key will be striking a balance between asking more of the team's young players but also supplementing them with experienced veterans.
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Chicago signed WNBA champion Courtney Vandersloot and traded for Ariel Atkins. However, the recipe for success lies in the development of Reese and her front court mate, Kamilla Cardoso.
Chicago Sky guard Rachel Banham (24).Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Coach Marsh has been grooming Reese into somewhat of a "point-forward." This means she still plays down low, but has the option to handle the ball and push fast breaks.
A change like this can ruffle feathers within a team, but Marsh and Reese have gone about it in the right way. Sky point guard Rachel Banham was asked about the change before the season opener against the Indiana Fever.
"I trust her to bring (the ball) up (the floor)," Banham said. "I asked her, 'You got it? You want me to get (the ball) from you?' and she's good, she's gonna bring it up. ... It's been fun to kinda work with her through that and get through the kinks and figure out what's good for her and what's good for me. But it's really nice for me when a post can bring it down."
Reese's storied rivalry with Clark may take on a new life if both players are handling the ball. This will be a big responsibility for Reese, but she has done it at both the high school and college level before
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She can always lean on her veteran teammates like Banham and Vandersloot for help, but it seems like Reese's transition is off to a great start. That will be put to the test on May 17 on opening day against the Fever.
Related: WNBA Champion Had Strong Words for Angel Reese Before Sky-Fever
Related: Chicago Sky Send 3-Word Message Before Game Against Caitlin Clark, Fever
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