Angel Reese, the dynamic forward for LSU, has been one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball over the past few seasons. Known for her aggressive play, high basketball IQ, and tenacity on both ends of the court, Reese has made a name for herself as a force to be reckoned with. However, recently, the star player has found herself struggling with an aspect of her game that has affected her confidence: missed layups.
For someone who has routinely dominated in the paint and been a key player for LSU, seeing easy shots miss the mark has been a tough pill to swallow. The missed layups have been particularly noticeable during high-pressure moments in games, where those points are often critical to her team’s success.
Reese herself has spoken candidly about the frustration of missing these relatively simple shots. “It’s hard not to let it affect you, especially when you know how much those points matter,” she shared during a post-game interview. “I’m used to finishing in the paint, but lately, it feels like I’m just a little off. It’s messing with my head, and it’s definitely impacting my confidence.”
Despite her visible frustration, Reese’s self-awareness and ability to reflect on her struggles speak to her maturity as a player. She has recognized that while the missed layups are a technical issue, the bigger challenge is the mental aspect of the game. “Basketball is as much about the mind as it is about the body,” she said. “Once the confidence starts slipping, everything else follows. I need to get back to where I was mentally.”
Reese’s teammates and coaches have been vocal in their support, emphasizing that these struggles are just part of the game and that her value goes far beyond making every layup. “Angel is such a talented player,” LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said. “She’s shown time and time again that she can bounce back from setbacks. This is just a small hiccup, and I have no doubt she’ll get back to being the player we all know she is.”
Teammates have also rallied around Reese, offering encouragement and advice. “We know what she’s capable of,” said one of her teammates. “Angel’s a fighter, and she won’t let a few missed shots define her. We trust her, and we’re with her every step of the way.”
As much as the missed layups have weighed on Reese’s mind, she is also determined to work through it. The star forward has been spending extra time in practice, focusing on her finishing skills around the basket. She has also been working on her mental game, seeking advice from sports psychologists to help reset her confidence and get back to her best.
The good news for Reese—and LSU fans—is that her talent is undeniable, and this struggle will likely be a brief one in the grand scheme of her career. Many of the game’s best players, both past and present, have faced similar challenges, and the most successful have always bounced back stronger. For Reese, it’s just a matter of regaining the mental edge that has made her one of the top players in the nation.
In the meantime, Angel Reese’s resilience is on full display. While the missed layups may still sting, they won’t define her career. If anything, they serve as a reminder that even the most talented players face obstacles, and overcoming them is often what makes their journey even more inspiring. Reese will undoubtedly emerge from this slump, and when she does, LSU and the basketball world will see her once again at her dominant best.
