If Angel Reese, as a sister, highlights one thing, she is your perfect single-man hype squad. After sharing that driveway court growing up, shaping each other’s game, and locking in on that competitiveness through the years, you better believe she is going to show up. And whatever ‘hype’ may indicate, it isn’t empty. Julian Reese is a proven hooper, and what the Chi-Town Barbie wishes? More eyes on that talent! She’d even go as far to pitch in for brands looking to partner with male players. “They’re like, ‘Do you know any players?’ And I’m like, ‘My brother?’” Reese admits saying. So when a real opportunity awaits him at the invitational, Angel wasn’t shying away from doing her part.
The Portsmouth Invitational is where stories that grow into legacies begin. Earl Monroe, Jimmy Butler, and Scottie Pippen might be a few names you recognize. And when the 71st edition of this quiet, traditional, and deep-rooted pre-draft camp took off, it was Julien Reese gracing those very courts. On April 12th, the P.I.T had revealed its extension of invitation to the young guard and did he take off in Virginia on Day 1.
The former Maryland Terrapin kicked off things with 16 points and 9 rebounds. He played his part perfectly, hustling through defense, leading his side in points scored, and rebounding better than anyone on the court. His team, Roger Brown’s Restaurant, would also finish the game with a strong fourth quarter. But it just wasn’t enough. Reese’s side lost by six points. But the Chicago Sky star wasn’t focusing on that. Juju’s game is all that truly mattered.
“Great 1st Day”, she posted on X.
The four-day event will have multiple NBA scouts and former players in attendance, and both the Reeses seemed to be making sure they took notice. It is the perfect cherry on top for the season Julian has had.
Great 1st day @Reese10Julian
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 18, 2025
The Terp finished his collegiate run with 1,488 career points and 1,015 rebounds—only second player in program history with 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. His 179 career blocks, also rank 8th in Maryland history. But it isn’t all stats. If you ask his college coach, Kevin Willard, Reese was his safety blanket. “At any time I feel confident I can come down, throw him the basketball, and he has been as consistent as any big guy in this league all year,” he had said.
Though a championship eluded the younger Reese, he had an impactful run as a member of the ‘Crab 5’. Sweet 16 was as far as they could go, but Angel Reese was there all along, cheering through every highlight.
During his March Madness game against Florida Gators, she showed up wearing a custom black shirt with ‘I am from Baltimore’ written on the front and ‘Juju Sister’ written on the back. And after the crushing 16-point defeat against the eventual winners, Angel stood behind her brother and encouraged him with a “proud of you, excited for your next journey” message.
That has always been Angel Reese, putting her family first. Just two weeks ago, Angel purchased a home and paid up her mother’s mortgage. While family affairs are well handled, Angel has some more work at the professional end.
Angel Reese looking for a strong WNBA season
Angel Reese lived up to expectations with a strong rookie season with the Chicago Sky in 2024. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft led the league in rebounding and also made it into the All-Star game. But Reese really shined in the off season. Not only was she named to the All-Unrivaled second team, she also won the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Then with the league’s first, 20-20 performance, Reese proved she was serious about growing her game. “I put in the work and a lot of people don’t see what I put in. It’s great to see the results out there. But obviously, I’m not done yet,” she had said.
Now with one title down, she is aiming for another, every effort down. The Chi-Town Barbie’s been training intensely, even sharing videos of her workouts on social media in the days leading up to the 2025 WNBA Draft. With the addition of her former LSU teammate Hailey Van Lith to the Sky, excited Reese was quick on her fingers and posted, “We ain’t do it right the first time so let’s run it back. WELCOME TO CHICAGO.”
A new WNBA season, host of endorsements, preparing for the challenges ahead, encouraging her brother’s activities, and even taking care of her mother, Angel Reese is always active on her personal as well as professional front.
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