Angel Reese‘s journey to LSU and her subsequent triumph in bringing the first NCAA Championship Title to the program mirrors the path of another WNBA champion, Brittney Griner. Griner, a dominant force in the WNBA, made her name in college basketball with incredible performances.
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On the other hand, recent revelations from a 2016 WNBA champion revealed how close she was to playing under Milkey’s guidance.
Close call for WNBA Champion
The LA Sparks forward, Nneka Ogwumike, recently opened up about her college recruitment process. During an appearance on Knuckleheads Podcasts, she talks about her career and her incredible achievements. When asked about her college choices and whether anyone tried to sway her decision, Ogwumike speaks her heart out. She says, “Yeah, I would say, and this is like a lot of women my age around that time said the same thing: if Coach G hadn’t left Duke, we were all going to Duke. That was the only school”.
Ogwumike has had a decent career so far, but her best form was witnessed during college. In her Senior Year at Stanford, she averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. She added, “But once I had gone to Stanford; it was almost like when I landed the night before my visit started. I hadn’t seen anything, it’s just I landed, and I felt it. I was like, oh no, this is where I’m gonna go. But Duke was really close, and Baylor was also really close. My mom wanted me to go to Baylor”. The former WNBA MVP’s talent and potential were so immense that top-tier programs like Duke were vying for her.
She further admitted that Duke was a strong contender, and Baylor was also in the running. Her mother favored Baylor, but she ultimately chose a path that would shape her into the star she is today. However, the two phenomenal NCAA stars who got to play under coach Mulkey did wonders.
Kim Mulkey, a winning factor for Angel Reese and Brittney Griner
Brittney Griner‘s college journey led her to Baylor University, where she teamed up with the legendary coach Kim Mulkey. Together, they achieved remarkable success, including a historic 40-0 season during Griner’s junior year. Griner claimed Final Four MOP, AP Player of the Year, and clinched the Wade Trophy for Player of the Year. Griner notched 131 wins, four Sweet 16s, three Elite Eights, two Final Fours, and a national title with Baylor. Her shot-blocking prowess broke NCAA records. She solidified her legacy as arguably the best player in Baylor University’s history.
Angel Reese’s triumphant journey, guided by Kim Mulkey’s mentorship, is reminiscent of Griner’s college success. Reese helped LSU secure its first national championship. It definitely showcases her skills with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a resounding 102–85 victory over Iowa in the title game. She not only won the tournament’s MOP award but also set an NCAA single-season record with an astonishing 34 double-doubles. While Reese is set to make a return for her senior year with the LSU Tigers, Griner, and Ogwumike could have done wonders together had they played together. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
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