Angel Reese, the remarkable forward from the LSU women's basketball team, clinched the NCAA title for her program and set her sights on greater horizons. While she is expected to leave an indelible mark in the WNBA in 2024, her final days at LSU will see her donning Reebok sneakers as she just signed a deal with the sportswear brand. This marks the first move by Shaquille O'Neal, who is now the President of Basketball for Reebok.
The name Angel Reese might evoke memories of her taunt directed at Iowa's Caitlin Clark last April, propelling her to the forefront of mainstream women's basketball. However, beneath the controversy lies an unmatched prowess that has earned her myriad accolades. The 2022-2023 season was particularly stellar for Reese. Not only did she earn a unanimous nod as a first-team All-American from the AP and USBWA, but she also shattered the SEC record for the most free throws made in a season (240) and racked up an astonishing 830 points. This staggering achievement places her third in the LSU all-time single-season scoring list.
Reebok's strategic move to rope in Reese follows the revelation that NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson would be helming the brand's basketball division. This change signals Reebok's ambitious plans to revitalize its basketball lineage and set unprecedented benchmarks. Commenting on this high-profile acquisition, Shaq remarked, "For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT. There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese." Shaq's mentoring of Reese and their shared LSU legacy weave an intricate tapestry of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Reebok's website has inaugurated an "Angel's Picks" section for enthusiasts eager to get a piece of this collaboration. This portal, for now, showcases a commemorative t-shirt celebrating Reese's association with the brand. However, this is just the beginning. Fall/Winter 2024 will witness the launch of a curated capsule collection, with Reese playing a pivotal role in its design. Moreover, her insights will be invaluable for the highly anticipated Reebok Basketball relaunch slated for 2025, which promises innovative performance silhouettes and groundbreaking technology.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Angel Reese shared, “I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid. It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation."
With such illustrious names coming together, the basketball world waits with bated breath to witness the magic they will undoubtedly create. Keep it locked to our Twitter and the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Reebok
