From the roar of the crowd at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center to packed gyms in Maryland, basketball isn’t just a game for Angel Reese — it’s a family tradition.
Long before the WNBA spotlight found its “Bayou Barbie,” Reese was battling it out on the driveway in Randallstown, Md., with two brothers who share her love for the game: the steady forward Julian “JuJu” Reese and globe-trotting pro Mikael Hopkins.
Together, the three turned sibling rivalry into a drive for greatness, building a bond shaped by fierce competition and constant support.
Who Are Angel Reese’s Hooper Brothers, Julian and Mikael
Born to former college standout Angel Webb Reese and Michael Reese, the Chicago star arrived in May 2002. Julian followed just over a year later, born on June 6, 2003. South China Morning Post reported that both parents played basketball during their college days. They are now separated.
Raised by their single mother in Randallstown, both kids naturally gravitated to basketball. The 23-year-old forward has even credited her decision to go all-in on the sport to a desire to outshine her younger brother on the family court.
“My whole family played basketball. My aunts played basketball, my brother plays basketball, my grandparents played basketball. So, it kind of was like, ‘You’re gonna do this,’” she told Heavy Sports.
Angel’s mother went on to play professionally in Luxembourg after her time at the University of Maryland, while her father suited up for the Boston College men’s team. That love for the game carried over to their kids, who each followed their own path on the court.
Julian carried that competitive spark into the Big Ten, playing as a 6’9″ power forward for the Maryland Terrapins. A four-star recruit from Baltimore’s prestigious St. Frances Academy, he committed to his home-state school in 2021 and steadily earned a role as a reliable starter.
In his sophomore year (2022–23), Julian averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. His breakout came in an upset win over top-ranked Purdue, which helped him earn All-Big Ten honorable mention that season.
Julian’s March Madness run ended with a loss to Florida, but not before his sister showed up courtside and flooded her Instagram Story with “Proud of you!” messages after his final college game in 2023. The Chi Barbie’s social media shoutouts and in-person support showed off the siblings’ tight bond.
I LOVE MY BROTHER🥺😇 https://t.co/LjDDF4e8px
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 1, 2023
Their mom’s Instagram is full of postgame hugs and family moments, showing how basketball keeps them close.
While Julian has become a fixture in college hoops, stepbrother Mikael Hopkins took a different route. Born from Michael Reese’s previous relationship, Hopkins played at Georgetown before heading overseas. Today, the 6’8″ forward/center plays for the Fukushima Firebonds in Japan.
Beyond Julian and Mikael, Angel also has a cousin, Jordan Hawkins, who currently plays for the New Orleans Pelicans.
How Is Angel Reese Faring During the 2025 Season
From her double-doubles to her rebounding, Angel has become a force for the Chicago Sky in 2025. Through seven games this season, the LSU alum is leading the WNBA with 12.3 rebounds per game, along with 9.1 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 28.7 minutes a night.
Angel’s second WNBA season is full of promise. She scored just four points in her last game against the Fever on June 7. The Sky lost that game to Indiana, 79-52.
Angel Reese has just pulled off one of the rarest feats in modern basketball. She now has more career rebounds (532) than points (526) 🤯
In a league built on scoring, Reese is flipping the script with pure grit, hustle, and domination on the glass 😤
Reese isn’t just… pic.twitter.com/mMhRIZaiq8— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 10, 2025
MORE: Chicago Sky 2025 WNBA Schedule: List of All Games, Key Matchups, and More
Next up, Chicago faces the undefeated New York Liberty, the defending champs. The Liberty are 8-0 so far this season.
No matter where the ball bounces next, one thing is clear: The Reese family is united by a shared love for the game. As Angel gears up for another big matchup, her brothers keep chasing their own basketball dreams.