Angel Reese understands very well that many in the college basketball world view them as “villains.” However, while they are embracing that, the LSU Tigers superstar made sure to emphasize that they are “good villains.”
Contrary to the recent perceptions about them being “evil” or a team that aims to ruin the game, Reese pointed out that they firmly believe they are doing something good for the game.
Angel Reese Speaks Out on LSU Tigers’ Villain Image
Speaking to reporters after their Sweet 16 win over the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Reese acknowledged that their image in college hoops isn’t the best. Their attitude and approach towards the game might be too strong for many, and the fact that they have the talents to back it up probably annoy the hell out of their critics.
Nonetheless, Reese firmly believes that they are doing something beneficial for the sport. And the continuous growth of women’s basketball–with TV viewership increasing, ticket and merch sales rising–prove as much.
“We’re the good villains. Everybody wants to beat LSU. Everybody wants to be LSU. Everybody wants to play against LSU. You’ve got to realize, like, we’re not any regular basketball team. Coach (Kim Mulkey) talks about it all the time; she calls us ‘The Beatles.’ People run after our bus. People are coming to our games. You’re seeing sellouts, you’re seeing people buying jerseys, you’re seeing more sellouts than the men,” Reese said, via The Athletic.
“We’re impacting the game so much, and all of us are super competitive and want to win and do whatever it takes to win. We’re just changing the game.”
Are Angel Reese, LSU Tigers Being Unfairly Criticized?
To be fair to Angel Reese and the LSU Tigers, it does seem that they are being criticized unfairly, all because they are too good and are not trying hard to please everybody. They do what they want to do without care for the opinions of others, while still competing at the highest level.
It is worth noting that Reese’s remarks come after the Washington Post article that irked head coach Kim Mulkey was released. It also follows a recent LA Times piece that painted them as the “evil” of college basketball, which sparked a massive tirade from Mulkey.
The Tigers head coach called the LA Times column “sexist,” especially after the writer called them “dirty debutantes.” For Mulkey, her team was vilified too much.
LSU continues to silence their critics with their play in the NCAA Tournament. They now head to the Elite Eight where they will face the Iowa Hawkeyes. Sure enough, plenty of eyes will be on them in what is arguably the biggest game so far in the competition.
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