Angel Reese is about to hit the biggest stage of her career, making her WNBA Finals debut in just a few days. As the Atlanta Dream gear up to face the Golden State Valkyries, her younger brother, Julian Reese, just gave us a raw, honest look into her impact, not just on the court, but on their entire family.
Angel’s Rise and Julian’s Journey: A Family Affair
At 24, Angel Reese isn’t just one of the biggest names in women’s basketball, she’s been absolutely pivotal in dragging the Dream all the way to the 2026 WNBA Finals. This isn’t just a huge moment for her; it’s massive for the whole Reese crew. You know the feeling: when one of ours makes it big, we all feel it. Julian, her younger brother, knows that feeling intimately. He’s followed her into pro hoops, currently grinding it out with the New Orleans Pelicans and their G League squad, the Laketown Squadron, trying to find his footing in the NBA.
There’s only a year between these two, so they’ve been chasing these basketball dreams side-by-side for basically their whole lives. Angel’s success is undeniable, but Julian’s shown he’s got game too. Last season, he balled out for the Washington Wizards in 13 games, dropping an average of 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds. Now, with another shot to prove he belongs, he’s reflecting on just how much his sister has shaped his career and their family.
“A Blessing”: The Words That Show Everything
When reporters asked Julian about Angel’s moment and what it means for the family, he didn’t hold back. “It’s been great. Very inspirational and I’ve learned a lot,” he said, clearly pumped for his sister. “She’s inspiring me to be great here. Just proving everybody wrong and living out her dream, and that is just a blessing.” Talk about hitting you right in the feels! That’s the kind of family support that fuels champions, right?
He also spilled the tea on the best advice Angel ever gave him, and it’s something every athlete, no matter the level, needs to hear. “Basically, just to stay ready. Last year, I got called up a little bit in the season. Just staying ready, took advantage of my opportunity. Now I got another opportunity in New Orleans. So, basically just staying ready and attacking and doing everything to help the team win.” It might sound simple, but “stay ready” is clutch advice, especially for young pros trying to break through. It’s easy to get lost in the grind, but that kind of mental toughness, that focus on the team, is what separates the good from the great.
Angel’s about to step onto the biggest stage in women’s basketball. If she can lead the Dream to a WNBA championship, it won’t just be another title; it’ll be an achievement that inspires Julian and their whole family for years to come. That’s pure hoops, pure heart, and pure inspiration, all wrapped up in a family bond.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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