“I was like, yes!” Angel Reese said when she was explaining her feelings to the reporters on Hailey Van Lith’s selection in the draft. A smile on her face and a tightly closed fist were clear indications of her excitement to play alongside her former teammate. But there is a small detail that Angel revealed at the end of the interview that also added ‘extra’ meaning to this “Yes”.

You see, the Chicago Sky tried to get most of the 2025 talent pool by making trades before the actual draft. The franchise landed Hailey Van Lith as the 11th overall pick of the WNBA draft 2025 as a result of those trades. Angel’s first reaction to it was, “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk.” An encouraging sign for the franchise and a big boost to Van Lith even before she sets foot on the WNBA court.

It was like the Chi-Town Barbie already had the thought in her mind after losing to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa side in the 2024 NCAA tournament Final Four game. And considering van Lith’s impact on the side and taking care of the ‘unfinished’ business, she advocated for Van Lith’s selection as the Sky GM. No, it’s not us saying that, it’s what Angel mentioned in the presser.

“I’m just really excited to play with her. I told [general manager] Jeff [Pagliocca] during the process, ‘If you want a dog, go get Hailey.’ I kept telling him that.” Reese mentioned, “You can see her grit. She’s one of the first to get in the gym and one of the last to leave.”

The words show how much Angel puts faith in Hailey and her capabilities. To add to it, she encouraged her franchise to go for HVL. And guess what, after Lith’s selection, the first post about her by the Chicago Sky was “#Talksoon.” It seems everyone seems to be in sync with the draft. And why not? The players already have a great relationship, even though Reese joined the WNBA and Hailey was still in college, they stayed in touch.

“Me and Hailey have that friendship like texting after games, and she would text me and encourage me and I would encourage her,” Reese explained the bond. “And now that we both have grown on and off the court I was yes and we got relationship off the court and we have a lot of similarities too. I love Hailey.”

The love translated well in Van Lith’s selection and on the court, as well. Off the court, when asked about Hailey, Reese mentioned that she will be her big sister in the league, helping her to settle in. On the court, they delivered two wins in three preseason games. The new star duo of Chicago showcased their skills and chemistry while they were together on the court. Reese lauded Haily’s first basket in the W, and Haily also applauded her teammates in games.

A good sight for the franchise, for sure. The quicker Hailey settles in with the team, the side will benefit from it. And they could achieve their dream earlier. The dream? Let’s talk about it…

Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith set to become a future guard-forward combo

The LSU duo was together for one year. Angel Reese as a forward, taking care of the glass, and Hailey Van Lith as a playmaker, taking care of the range. The side made it to the NCAA Final Four, on the verge of winning a second title in as many years. Though the final result was not what they had dreamed of, now they have a chance to combine once again and win titles in the WNBA.

The young core of most of the teams has been making buzz in the WNBA in recent years. Building for the future is different, and already having a ‘bright’ future is different. With Haily Van Lith, Angel Reese, and Kamila Cardoso, the Chicago Sky has a bright future. The powerful forward line of Chicago has established itself last season, only earning a spot in the All-WNBA Rookie team, despite a poor season record. And there is already an arrangement made for Van Lith to excel in her rookie season.

“I tell players all the time, it’s about fit.” Reese mentioned in her press conference, “Her being under [Courtney Vandersloot], that’s the best thing that could be possible for her.” Got the idea? The 36-year-old tactician will be a great mentor to her. She has been a two-time champion, a seven-time assists leader and a six-time WNBA’s peak performer. Handing her the hardworking HVL will do wonders for the Chicago Sky.

While all this talk is still in the press conferences and we have seen a little glimpse of it in the preseason, the actual business end starts on May 17 for the Chicago Sky. They will face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the opening game of the season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A win could be a massive statement by the Sky franchise, and the Chi-Town would be looking for the same.