Angel Reese forgets about fashion and returns to basketball with new injury update

Angel Reese Shuts Down the Noise and Returns to Basketball With Fierce Determination After Injury Setback

For weeks, the headlines had been dominated by her red carpet looks, viral Instagram posts, and high-fashion campaigns. From Met Gala whispers to glossy magazine shoots, Angel Reese—known just as much for her dominance on the basketball court as for her dazzling presence off it—had become a magnet for attention. But now, the time for cameras, gowns, and glitter had passed. With a renewed sense of purpose and a silent fire in her eyes, Angel Reese laced up her sneakers once more.

The 22-year-old Chicago Sky forward, affectionately dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” is officially back—stronger, hungrier, and laser-focused on reclaiming her spot among the WNBA’s elite after a nagging wrist injury briefly halted her momentum. Gone are the days of paparazzi chasing her through fashion week. Now, it’s all about the hardwood.

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A Setback in the Spotlight

It was March 10th, during a heated matchup in the Unrivaled League—a new three-on-three tournament designed to keep WNBA talent sharp during the offseason—when Reese’s world temporarily slowed. Midway through the third quarter, a mistimed fall forced her to clutch her left wrist in agony, the same wrist that had undergone surgery just months earlier in September 2024. She had barely made it through her first WNBA season, which had already taken a toll on her physically and emotionally. Now, this injury threatened to halt the significant progress she had made.

At the time, Reese was thriving in the Unrivaled League, not just participating—but dominating. She had been named the Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the All-Unrivaled Second Team. Her tenacity helped her squad, Rose BC, clinch the first-ever Unrivaled championship title, even though she was absent from the final games due to her injury. The moment was bittersweet—victory with a sting.

But instead of spiraling into frustration, Reese turned inward. While the headlines screamed about fashion partnerships and celebrity sightings, she quietly began the most critical transformation of her young career—one of healing, strength, and rediscovery.

The Grind Behind the Glam

Weeks after the injury, the buzz began to fade. The tabloids moved on. But in a quiet gym in Chicago, Angel Reese was busy writing her own comeback story.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Reese has fully resumed basketball activities, mere weeks before the Sky’s training camp kicks off. Player development coach Iron Rainey—known for his work with elite NBA and WNBA stars—posted a video to Instagram that instantly caught the attention of basketball fans everywhere. In it, Reese is seen methodically working through shooting drills, smooth and unbothered. No brace, no hesitation—just clean follow-through and muscle memory.

“She’s moving like nothing ever happened,” Rainey captioned the video, highlighting just how well Reese had responded to rehab. The wrist was no longer a liability—it was a badge of resilience.

But the transformation didn’t stop at the court.

In a separate post shared to her personal Instagram story, Reese showcased her progress in strength training, smiling wide while executing a set of dumbbell squats under the guidance of sports performance trainer Tony Pontton.

“You see the abs, okay,” she wrote cheekily, flexing her well-defined core and muscular arms. It was clear—her return wasn’t just about recovery; it was about rising to a whole new level.

Learning From Legends

During her hiatus from league competition, Reese took full advantage of the time away from the spotlight. One of the most meaningful moments came when she was invited to train with WNBA icon Lisa Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant post players in basketball history.

For Reese, this wasn’t just a workout—it was a masterclass in legacy-building. Leslie mentored her not only on post footwork and defensive reads but also on what it meant to be a leader in a league that was evolving rapidly.

“Lisa told me, ‘You’ve got the talent. Now add the wisdom. Add the voice,’” Reese later shared in an interview. “That stuck with me. I’m not just trying to play in this league—I’m trying to shape it.”

Reese left those training sessions more confident than ever, determined not just to make a comeback—but to make a statement.

A Rookie Season to Remember

Despite the setbacks, it’s easy to forget just how impactful Angel Reese’s rookie campaign was. In 2024, she averaged an impressive 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals across 34 games. She logged more than 32 minutes per game and shot nearly 40% from the field.

Those numbers placed her in rare company. Though she ultimately finished second to Caitlin Clark in the WNBA Rookie of the Year race, many analysts pointed out that Reese’s two-way impact—particularly on defense and rebounding—was unmatched.

“She’s a walking double-double,” said Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “And that’s just the beginning.”

Now with the Sky targeting a playoff push in the highly competitive 2025 season, the timing of her return couldn’t be better.

A New Era in Chicago

Reese’s return coincides with a wave of optimism in Chicago. With veteran leadership and exciting young talent surrounding her, the Sky are positioning themselves as a dark horse in a WNBA season that’s expected to be more unpredictable than ever.

What makes Angel Reese so vital to the Sky’s plans isn’t just her numbers. It’s her attitude. Her hunger. Her refusal to settle. Her unapologetic swagger.

“She plays with fire,” said teammate Marina Mabrey. “She makes you believe you can win any game. And when you see her grinding in the gym, day after day, you feel that energy rub off on the whole squad.”

The locker room knows it. The fans know it. And now, the rest of the league is about to remember it.

Focus Over Fame

As she prepares for the opening week of the WNBA season, Angel Reese has made one thing abundantly clear—this offseason wasn’t about fame. It was about fuel.

She took the time to grow not just her brand, but her body, her mind, and her leadership. And now, with a clean bill of health and a support team behind her, she’s entering 2025 not as a rising star—but as a potential game-changer.

In a league flooded with elite talent, Angel Reese is carving her own lane. One marked by grit, flair, and an insatiable desire to win.

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The Road Ahead

The Chicago Sky open their training camp in just a few weeks. All eyes will be on Angel Reese—not for what she’s wearing, but for how she’s dominating.

No distractions. No wrist brace. Just basketball.

And for Angel Reese, that’s exactly the way it should be.