Kim Mulkey’s LSU team faced a rocky start to their highly anticipated 2023-24 season, and one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team was the unexpected absence of star forward Angel Reese. After months of speculation, Reese has finally opened up about the situation that sparked widespread rumors and drama.
Coming off a historic championship win, the LSU Tigers entered the new season as the top-ranked women’s basketball team in the country. Expectations were sky-high, particularly with a roster that boasted star players like Reese, Flau’jae Johnson, key transfer Hailey Van Lith, and standout recruit Mikaylah Williams. LSU’s strong lineup made them the favorites to repeat as national champions after their dominating NCAA Tournament win over Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
However, things didn’t go according to plan at first. LSU’s season opener ended in a surprising upset loss to Colorado, shaking the team’s confidence. Although the Tigers quickly bounced back with a remarkable 16-game winning streak, that run was overshadowed by Reese’s sudden absence from the lineup. Reese was benched for the second half of a game against Kent State and then missed the next four games entirely, fueling speculation about the reasons behind her hiatus.
Neither Reese nor head coach Kim Mulkey offered much explanation at the time, leaving room for rumors to swirl. Some speculated Reese’s absence was due to academic issues, as suggested by Johnson’s mother, while others spread unfounded rumors about a possible pregnancy. Despite the drama, LSU kept their focus on the season, and Reese eventually returned to help lead the Tigers to a 26-4 regular-season record before their journey ended in a loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight.
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Now, months later, Reese has decided to clear the air about her mysterious absence. On the first episode of her new podcast, Unapologetically Angel, the Chicago Sky rookie opened up about what really happened.
“We lost to [Colorado], and it was just a whole big uproar after that,” Reese explained. “I sat the second half of the Kent State game. Me and Kim Mulkey kind of got into it about something.”
Reese went on to reveal that she and Mulkey had a candid conversation following the Kent State game, and they mutually agreed that it would be best for her to take a break from the team for a short period.
“After that game, me and her had a conversation, and we talked about moving forward,” Reese continued. “It was just best for me to take some time off. It was me and Coach Mulkey being able to have that kind of relationship.”
By addressing the situation directly, Reese put to rest the rumors that had been circulating for months. Her explanation also highlighted the strong relationship she shares with Mulkey, showing that their decision to take a brief pause was a mutual and healthy part of their communication.
With the speculation finally behind her, Reese can now focus on her next chapter as a professional basketball player with the Chicago Sky.
Meanwhile, LSU moves forward, aiming to build on their success in the wake of last season’s highs and lows.
Reese’s return to the lineup last year helped the Tigers finish strong, and her openness about the challenges she faced during that season provides valuable insight into the pressures and complexities that come with being a star athlete.
