USA Today via Reuters

The recent WNBA Draft saw the collegiate stars land high-profile moves. Caitlin Clark ended up with Indiana Fever and LA Sparks picked Cameroon Brink at number 2. However, a few eyebrows were raised when the Washington Mystics snubbed the three-time All-American forward Angel Reese in favor of Aaliyah Edwards, despite the LSU forward having a better campaign last term.

Reese averaged 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds in her last final NCAA season as compared to Edwards’ average of 17.6 points and 9.2 rebounds. Hence, it was a bit surprising when Mystics went for Edwards as the number 6 overall draft pick. To get a clear picture, popular Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland joined radio host Craig Hoffman on his podcast The Hoffman Show and shared his take on the Mystics’ move.

On evaluating the possibilities of Reese’s late draft, Copeland said, “I didn’t think they were going to go the Angel route. Just because it’s more of a style of play kind of a thing at the moment. Aaliyah Edwards has a little bit more range to her game.” Additionally, Copeland also complemented Edwards’ perimeter shooting abilities and opined that also played a vital part in her drafting.

USA Today via Reuters

He added, “It kind of gives them a little bit of flexibility where you can play her next to Shakira Austin and keep Shakira close to the basket and then Aaliyah can drift out towards the perimeter a little bit more. She doesn’t quite have a three yet, but they said last night that’s a goal to work on and add in the next couple of years. If you play her with Stephanie Dolson, Steph’s is out on the perimeter you know she’s a three-point shooter, in those instances Aaliyah would be more closer to the basket in those cases.”

Later, he also appreciated the all-round play of the Canadian baller and how she’s more resourceful than Reese. Copeland further added, “I think what it came down, and she was a little bit more versatile than Angel. I think that’s what really appeal to Thibault and the Mystics.” 

Still, Angel Reese didn’t have to wait too long as Chicago Sky had her as the number 7 overall pick. Reese led LSU to the NCAA title in 2023 and was their standout player during her tenure. She will now look to dominate the court with alongside Kamilla Cardoso, who was picked by Chicago as the No. 3 overall pick. Meanwhile, after her move, Reese said that she needed a new nickname, and she has already come up with one.

Angel Reese figures out her new nickname

Before making her professional debut, former LSU No. 10 Angel Reese posted on X that she needed a new nickname now that she will be playing for Chicago Sky. She wrote, “I need a new name now that i’m in Chicago lol something cute that is catchy like Bayou Barbie.” She has now revealed the new nickname in a TikTok video.

“Hey y’all, so it’s the ‘Chi Barbie’ here,” she said in the video. Moreover, she also said that her previous popular title, “The Bayou Barbie” will stay attached to her.

via Imago

Reese went on and said, “I’m still gonna be the ‘Bayou Barbie’ but I’m going to Chicago now, so they basically already been inheriting me into Chicago, so many people have reached out to me. The love of Chicago is running deep and going crazy, so I’m the ‘Chi Barbie,’ I’m the ‘Baltimore Barbie,’ and I’m always gonna be the ‘Bayou Barbie.” 

Be it Bayou Barbie or Chi Barbie, Angel Reese has what it takes to be a standout anywhere. Her unique talent and specific skill-sett on the hardwood speak volumes and are enough to get the job done for any team. Only time will tell what the future holds for this fierce competitor. Do you agree with Kareem Copeland’s reasoning? Let us know in the comments!