Bayou Barbie Comes Home: Angel Reese’s Triumphant Return to LSU

May 06, 2025

By The Bayou Insider Staff

On May 2, 2025, Angel Reese returned to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge—not as a college star, but as a professional athlete with the Chicago Sky. In a preseason exhibition against Brazil’s national team, Reese delivered a double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes, reminiscent of her dominant days at LSU.

A Homecoming Full of Emotion

Reese, affectionately known as "Bayou Barbie," expressed heartfelt appreciation for LSU's role in shaping her career. "I was able to build my legacy here. Obviously, I was somebody before I came here, but I was just able to build a brand off the court. I think that's really important," she reflected.

Despite the emotional significance, attendance at the game was underwhelming, with only 6,373 fans in the stands—less than half the arena's capacity . This contrasted sharply with the sold-out crowd of 15,500 that attended Caitlin Clark's homecoming game at Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

From LSU Stardom to WNBA Success

After leading LSU to a national championship in 2023, Reese was selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. Her rookie season was stellar, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, earning her spots on both the All-Star and All-Rookie teams . However, a wrist injury in September 2024 cut her season short.

Reese made a strong comeback in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, where she was named Defensive Player of the Year and helped her team clinch the inaugural championship

Building a Brand Beyond the Court

Reese has leveraged her on-court success into a burgeoning brand. She has endorsement deals with major companies like McDonald's, Hershey's, Amazon, and Reebok . Notably, she became the first female athlete to have a signature McDonald's meal and is set to release her own Reebok signature shoe in 2026.

Her influence extends to social media, where she boasts over 4.6 million Instagram followers, making her the most followed player in the WNBA.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, Reese is focused on expanding her game, particularly improving her mid-range and three-point shooting. The Chicago Sky will open their season against Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever on May 17, a matchup that promises to be a highlight of the early season.

Reese's return to LSU was more than just a game; it was a celebration of her journey from college star to professional athlete and brand ambassador. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards, both on and off the court, Reese remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.