Hailey Van Lith discloses Angel Reese's top advice for newcomers in the basketball field.
Fresh Take:
The Chicago Sky made a splash in this year's WNBA Draft, snagging TCU standout Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick. And reuniting her with none other than her former college buddy, Angel Reese, who also now calls the Sky home. The duo's history stretches back to their time together at LSU in the 2023-24 season.
Just after the draft, Van Lith shared some valuable wisdom from her fellow Sky squad member, Reese. As reported by Zach Bachar of Bleacher Report, Reese advised Van Lith to stay in tip-top shape for the upcoming season.
Their partnership at LSU was short-lived, as Van Lith had made the move from Louisville, and the duo's lone season together at LSU didn't quite go as planned. Still, Van Lith managed to raise her WNBA Draft stock with a resurgent season at TCU, where she averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Sky Love for Alijah Arenas, Tilly Boler, and a New Coach
With point guard being one of the Sky's biggest needs this offseason, Van Lith fits the bill nicely. She'll have the chance to learn under HOF-point guard, Courtney Vandersloot, who's sticking with the Sky.
The Sky also nabbed Ajsa Sivka of Slovenia with their first-round pick at No. 10, plus Maddy Westbeld of Notre Dame and Aicha Coulibaly of Texas A&M in the second round.
As the Sky proceed with changes this season, firing Head Coach Teresa Weatherspoon and hiring Tyler Marsh, Van Lith and Reese are set to be key pieces in a young, promising core.
Insight: Hailey Van Lith is a versatile and resilient player, showcasing a strong work ethic by training early mornings. She has previously thrived in new collegiate environments, highlighted by her recognition as the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year at TCU. Her reunion with Angel Reese in the Sky may bring a dynamic duo, beneficial for overall team cohesion and competition.
- Despite the Chicago Sky's brief partnership with Reese and Van Lith at LSU, their reunion in the WNBA is expected to form a dynamic duo.
- In this year's WNBA Draft, the Chicago Sky drafted versatile player Hailey Van Lith, who showcased remarkable resilience during her tenure at TCU.
- Van Lith and fellow Sky member, Angel Reese, are set to be key pieces in a young, promising WNBA core, as the Sky continue to rebuild their roster with new additions like Ajsa Sivka and Maddy Westbeld.
- Reese, a former college buddy of Van Lith, advised Van Lith to maintain her physical fitness in preparation for the upcoming WNBA season, and their long-standing partnership extends back to their time together at LSU in the 2023-24 season.
- As the WNBA season approaches, Van Lith will have the opportunity to learn from Hall of Fame point guard Courtney Vandersloot while competing in a competitive environment alongside Reese and other new additions to the Chicago Sky, such as Alijah Arenas, Tilly Boler, and Aicha Coulibaly.
