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Reese did not take the court for the Sky after
the announcement. The team listed her as dealing with a back
injury for its final three games, raising speculation about her
long-term future in Chicago.
“Angel is an ascending young talent in this league who’s had two
very, very good seasons here in Chicago,” Pagliocca said.
“Obviously we went through what we did. I feel like we closed
the chapter on it. She spoke to her teammates, she spoke
publicly. We moved on as a team. She’s a special player. And I
have good conversations with Angel daily, with her team daily.
They’re constant, and they’re productive.”
The Sky (10-34) finished with the worst record in the Eastern
Conference this season. They went 1-13 without Reese, who led
the league in rebounding (12.6 a game) and double-doubles (23).
She led the team in scoring (14.7 points) and assists (3.7).
Chicago dealt with a rash of injuries, most notably losing point
guard Courtney Vandersloot to a torn knee ligament seven games
into the season.
Nonetheless, the Sky have struggled since drafting Reese seventh
overall out of LSU in 2024. They have won 23 of 84 games. Reese
told the Tribune the team has “to get great players” this
offseason or else she might consider leaving.
Pagliocca, who has been a target for fan criticism, reiterated
his commitment to getting it right and said more resources would
be available this offseason than in previous years.
“I’m appreciative that we have passionate fans that want to see
winning,” Pagliocca said. “We feel the same. And I know I have
full support from ownership. We have great conversations.
There’s a lot of mutual respect there.”
Pagliocca added that he has “all the respect in the world” for
first-year coach Tyler Marsh.
“I think he’s the guy for the job,” he said.
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