In a recent episode of the “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese sat down with NBA legend Dwyane Wade to seek guidance on how to elevate her game as she enters her second professional year. The candid conversation provided valuable insights into the mindset and strategies that can help a young athlete transition from a promising rookie to a seasoned competitor.
(Cleaned up for better understanding)
“Yeah, I think, obviously, when you look at your game, everyone’s going to focus on how you grow your offensive game. I saw moments this year where you actually took the next step. It’s just about doing it more, right? You got the ball in the mid-post, faced up, turned around, and hit that little jumper.”
“We see how cold A’ja Wilson is—a lot of it is she gets that ball, faces you up, and then goes to work. Now, you’ve got to do that in the game. You’ve got to trust it. Don’t go in the gym, work on something, and then not trust it.”
“A coach once told me that one of my greatest strengths is when a coach gives you information—tells you how to do something—and you can apply it right away. For me, the ability to apply what I’ve learned immediately is one of my strengths.”
“So, if I learned a move, if Tim taught me a move, I’m trying that move the next day in a game. I have to try it. There’s no reason for me to be working on it and then not use it. If it feels comfortable by the end of my workout, the first thing I’m doing is trying it in the game.”
“I always tell players, if you’re not going to use it in a game, don’t work on it. If that’s not your role on the team, and your role is to do something else, then work on that and master it before trying to do everything. But if you’re going to work on it, when you get into the game, you’ve got to have confidence in it. Your confidence is built in the unseen hours—in practice. That’s why you’re putting in the work. You’ve seen yourself make that move and that shot over and over. You’ve got to trust yourself.”
“For you, that’s the key. It’s about having more confidence in your offensive game. When you have confidence in your game, you start adding more tools to your bag. You showed flashes of it.”
“But that wasn’t necessarily your role right away, and you did what you were supposed to do in year one. In year two, you made the All-Star team, and now you want to keep building on that. You want to stay on that All-Star level, and eventually, you want to be picked for the Olympics, right? You want to reach that next echelon of talent and greatness.”
“So now it’s about adding to your bag while still being a force on the boards, a defensive presence, and becoming more of a leader—hearing your voice more. Your teammates are noticing everything you’re doing. They’re watching how you approach the game.”
“They love and respect how you show up, even when there’s hate coming your way. You still show up, smiling, taking photos. They’re watching that, and they respect you. There’s a trust being built because you’re giving everything you’ve got.”
“So, you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up about the game, especially when you’re playing the way you do. When you give it your all, every player respects that. And when you play that way, your voice carries the most weight.”
“You know what I mean? So yeah, these are all things you learn. Going into year two, you’re going to feel like a different player.”
“You’re going to find that things you couldn’t do this year, you’ll be able to do next year. You’ll already know the game, know the cadence, and understand things differently, so it’ll slow down for you. And when the game slows down, that’s when it gets scary.”
When Reese asked Wade what she should focus on to grow her game, the three-time NBA champion highlighted the importance of expanding her offensive repertoire. Wade acknowledged that while defensive skills and rebounding are crucial, it’s often the offensive advancements that can set a player apart. He pointed out moments in Reese’s rookie season where she showed flashes of offensive potential, such as facing up in the mid-post and hitting turnaround jumpers.
He emphasized that it’s not just about adding new moves but about consistently incorporating them into game situations. Wade used the example of WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, who effectively utilizes face-up techniques to create scoring opportunities.
Reese admitted that while she works on new skills during practice, integrating them into games can be challenging. Wade reassured her that this is a common hurdle for many players. The key is to build confidence during the “unseen hours”—the time spent practicing when no one is watching.
Wade shared the wisdom he received from a coach about the importance of applying new skills immediately. He encouraged Reese to have the confidence to use what she’s been practicing, emphasizing that there’s no point in working on something if it’s not going to be utilized in actual play.
Beyond physical skills, Wade stressed the significance of mental preparation and confidence. He advised Reese to trust in the work she’s put in and to believe in her ability to execute under pressure. Reese acknowledged that working with her trainer has been instrumental in her development, especially in taking and making jump shots—a skill she didn’t utilize much in college.
Wade also touched on the evolution of becoming a team leader. He encouraged Reese to use her voice more and not to shy away from leadership responsibilities. Wade emphasized that earning respect comes from how one approaches the game and handles adversity.
Reese admitted that she was more reserved during her rookie season, opting to listen and learn rather than assert herself vocally. However, she expressed a readiness to step into a more vocal role in her second year.
It’s essential to acknowledge Reese’s remarkable first season in the WNBA. She averaged 13.6 points and a league-record 13.1 rebounds per game, along with 1.9 assists, while shooting 39.1% from the field. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team and the All-Star Team. Reese led the league in rebounding, showcasing her dominance on the boards for the Chicago Sky. Unfortunately, her season was cut short due to a hairline fracture, but her impact was undeniable.
As Reese prepares for her second professional season, Wade assured her that the game would start to slow down, making it easier to implement new skills and make more significant contributions. Wade’s advice centered on confidence, application of practiced skills, and stepping into leadership—all crucial factors that can help Reese elevate her game. By trusting in her training and embracing new challenges on the court, she can continue her trajectory toward becoming one of the standout players in the league.
The exchange between Dwyane Wade and Angel Reese offers valuable lessons not just for Reese but for any athlete aiming to improve. Wade’s emphasis on trusting one’s training, having the confidence to apply new skills in games, and stepping up as a leader provides a blueprint for success. As Reese enters her second year, the basketball world will be watching to see how she implements this advice and continues to develop her already impressive skill set.
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