Despite her season-ending wrist injury, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese is closing out the inaugural Unrivaled season with a major accolade.
The league announced Saturday that fans, media, players, and coaches voted her as Defensive Player of the Year, just days after she was named to the All-Unrivaled Second Team.
Reese led the Unrivaled league in rebounds, averaging 12.2 boards per game, while also pacing her Rose Club team in blocked shots with 0.6 per game.
Very well-deserved. Her defensive versatility was on full display at Unrivaled https://t.co/qh0Mv0BDos
— Noa Dalzell(@NoaDalzell) March 15, 2025
Her defensive efforts anchored a Rose Club defense that allowed just 65.2 points per game, the fewest in the league.
Unrivaled’s fast-paced style suited Reese’s defensive versatility, allowing her to guard both bigs and perimeter players effectively. She finished the season as the league leader in offensive rebounds, ranked second in double-doubles, and made history with Unrivaled’s first-ever 20-20 game.
A Season to Remember
Reese shared her gratitude on social media, posting:
“God, thank you for getting me through the highs & lows! Be where your feet are & allow yourself growth!”
Despite her injury, she played a key role in Rose Club’s success, helping the team win six of its last eight regular-season games and finish with the league’s second-best record.
While she has been ruled out of Sunday’s postseason game against the Laces, her status for a potential championship matchup remains uncertain.
Very well-deserved. Her defensive versatility was on full display at Unrivaled https://t.co/qh0Mv0BDos
— Noa Dalzell
The Future Looks Bright
Rose Club head coach Nola Henry had high expectations for Reese before the season, saying:
“For Angel, it doesn’t matter—3-on-3, 5-on-5, college, WNBA—she’s an incredible rebounder. That’s just what she’s done her entire career.”
Now, with an Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year award to her name, Reese continues to solidify her reputation as a dominant force in women’s basketball.
