Angel Reese didn’t drop too many hints on what she wanted the Chicago Sky to do in the 2025 WNBA Draft. But, when push came to shove, the 23-year-old franchise star laid down eight unforgettable words that everyone heard loud and clear.
Those eight words likely trickled into the Sky front office ahead of draft night on April 14, guiding them on what to do at pick No. 11.
Angel Reese Delivered 8-Word Draft Demand
Reese made her stance crystal clear to Chicago Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca during the WNBA Draft process, telling him (via Chicago Sports Network), “If you want a dog, go get Hailey.”
Reese reiterated her point throughout media availability, emphasizing Hailey Van Lith’s relentless work ethic: “You can see her grit, you can see how hard she works; she’s one of the first to get in the gym and one of the last to leave.”
Angel Reese was advocating for HVL to Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca during the draft process:
“If you want a dog, go get Hailey.” pic.twitter.com/9vXCZA6uG8
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) May 12, 2025
By planting that eight-word seed, Reese not only showcased her conviction in Van Lith’s talent but also underscored how veteran endorsements can sway draft decisions in today’s WNBA. The two players were brief teammates at LSU.
During their sole season together at LSU in 2023–24, there were high points—like an Elite Eight run—and low points marked by on-court tension that sometimes boiled over into visible frustration.
Reese later framed those moments as part of their growth, telling reporters she loves Van Lith like family and that holding each other accountable was essential to their shared success. That blend of competitive fire and mutual respect convinced Chicago’s decision-makers that Van Lith could plug right into the Sky’s culture.
When the Sky called Van Lith’s name at No. 11 overall, Reese celebrated the reunion, tweeting, “We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk.”
Her post not only captured the excitement of rekindling a partnership but also signaled to fans and teammates that she stands firmly behind her former LSU teammate. With that, Chicago set the stage for a backcourt-frontcourt tandem built on trust, shared history, and the “dog-like” tenacity Reese highlighted.
Rekindling Chemistry in Chicago
Van Lith couldn’t hide her enthusiasm about the reunion as she praised Reese’s leadership and support after the WNBA Draft.
“We share a lot of values and align in a lot of things off the court. It really is more than basketball,” Van Lith told reporters, via Sports Illustrated. “She’s been a huge encourager for me. She holds me accountable and reminds me of who I am.”
That sentiment aligns with Reese’s vision: she saw Van Lith thriving under veteran playmaker Courtney Vandersloot, believing that pairing grit with seasoned guidance would accelerate the rookie’s transition to the pros.
Chicago’s coaching staff and front office bought in. They constructed a roster that balances youth and experience, with Reese and Van Lith at its competitive core. As the Sky gear up for their May 17 opener against the Indiana Fever, all eyes will be on how quickly Reese’s eight-word ultimatum translates into on-court chemistry.
If Van Lith’s early preseason flashes are any indication, Chicago might just see the kind of “dog” that Reese envisioned leading the pack.