Angel Reese on the impact Candace Parker had on her game: ‘I always admired her’

When Angel Reese was drafted to the Chicago Sky, she had to decide on what number to wear. Reese wore No. 10 throughout her college career at LSU and Maryland, but that would go to her new teammate Kamilla Cardoso, the third overall pick in the draft.

As Reese thought about her decision, she considered No. 3 briefly. That was the number that Candace Parker wore throughout her 16-year WNBA career, including two seasons in Chicago. Reese, who is 17 years younger than Parker, drew inspiration from her game growing up and thought it would be a good way to pay homage to the legend.

However, after some more thought, she decided against it and settled on No. 5. Reese explained that she figured a player of Parker’s status would soon have her jersey retired.

“I’ve always watched Candace Parker,” she told Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times. “She’s been an amazing player. A big guard. I always admired her. When I came here, since I couldn’t get 10, I wanted to get (No. 3). But I was like, ‘Wait, Candace is going to get her jersey retired very soon.’ So I knew she was gonna get her jersey retired soon because she’s an amazing player, amazing mom, amazing person. She’s always been super inspiring to me. I always will love her and watch her game.”