Tough - marked by absence of softness, very hard to influence, uncomprimising determination.
Angel Reese is tough.
The Team Takeover forward is the type of player you want on your side for sure. She’s relentless offensively, constantly attacking the rim. Defensively, she’s a game changer. Reese is vocal and active. She never backs down or lets up. It’s no surprise that she’s a top 20 player in the class of 2020.
Recently we sat down with Reese to discuss playing for Team Takeover, Playing on the EYBL circuit, her mindset defensively and more. - By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to use one word to describe your playing style, what would it be and why?
Angel Reese: Versatile. I can guard any position from the 2-5. I attack the rim hard. I can post up smaller players. I can really thank my teammates for that. They don’t ever let up on me in practice. I embrace the challenge of guarding smaller players everyday in practice. We all go at each other which makes us better come game time.
TheDribbleDrop: Shoot me a couple players in the WNBA who you are watching that really grab your attention that are versatile.
Angel Reese: Elena Delle Donne is one that comes to mind. Maya Moore is another.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to mold your game after a player, who would it be and why?
Angel Reese: I would say Kevin Durant. He’s versatile offensively. He’s a long athletic player that plays inside and out at a high level. He drives to the rim and knocks down jumpers with ease.
TheDribbleDrop: We see now more than ever the use of the hybrid forwards that can play multiple positions offensively. It seems like teams are moving away from the traditional two frontcourt player lineups. Why do you think that is the case?
Angel Reese: Well in regards to our team, I would say we really don’t play that one traditional big. We combat that with length and intensity on the perimeter defensively. We use our length to apply pressure and in help defense.
I think that’s where the game is right now and is going. Everyone on my team is like that. We can all take you off the bounce and we can all switch on the pick and roll and lock up.
TheDribbleDrop: You play for Team Takeover. Tell me what it's like being apart of the program.
Angel Reese: Team Takeover is a Family. I’ve been playing for them for two years and it’s great. We do everything together and we are so close even with the boys side.
TheDribbleDrop: You play on the Nike EYBL circuit. For those who don't know, tell me what that has been like thus far.
Angel Reese: Being one of the younger girls playing on the Eybl circuit is great because you get the play the top girls from all over the country older then you and same class as you! Every game in the Eybl circuit is played like a championship game, because every team is good and as the top team everyone wants to beat us. I thinks the Eybl circuit is the best circuit for girls because it has the best competition and playing the best teams.
TheDribbleDrop: What do you prefer at the point guard spot alongside you: A pure passing point guard that is looking to set guys up and knock down shots, or a pick and roll heavy, ball dominant guard who will hit you in spots to knock down shots?
Angel Reese: I would prefer to play with a point guard more along the line of the Chris Paul mold. He can get you the ball when needed but he can also create for himself.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s your ideal style of play?
Angel Reese: I like to play more in the open court. My team thrives in the open floor. That’s how we like to play. We like to run teams out the gym. We never let up on defense and we push the ball on offense every chance we get.
TheDribbleDrop: One piece of advice you got from a coach, mentor or teammate.
Angel Reese: To always lift people up around you. No one is going to hit every shot everyday. Encourage the people around you even when they aren’t having their best day. That’s what leaders do.