Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith Reunite in Chicago: A New Chapter in a Powerful Partnership
LSU Women’s Basketball fans were hopeful for a reunion of two standout stars—Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow—in the WNBA. However, due to the limitations of the draft order, it was always a long shot for the Chicago Sky, who held the 11th and 12th overall picks, to land both Reese and Morrow. Securing Morrow would have required a significant trade, one that likely would’ve shaken up the Sky’s roster in a major way. But while the dream of that particular duo didn’t come to fruition, Chicago fans and LSU faithful still got an exciting reunion.
Instead of pairing Reese with Morrow, the Sky opted to reunite her with another one of her former LSU teammates, Hailey Van Lith. With the 11th overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Sky selected Van Lith, a fiery guard known for her competitive spirit and scoring ability. The moment was met with immediate enthusiasm—not just from fans but from Reese herself, who took to social media to share her excitement about the pick.
A Redemption Story Begins
Reese’s response was filled with emotion and optimism. On social media, she posted about how she and Van Lith “didn’t get to win it all the first time around” at LSU but now have “a chance for redemption.” The sentiment spoke volumes. Their time at LSU was electric but ultimately fell short of a national championship, with their season ending in a tough Elite Eight loss to Iowa.
Now, with the Sky, the duo has the opportunity to make a fresh start and chase a new goal—this time at the professional level. While college basketball fans remember what they were capable of together, the WNBA offers a larger stage and, potentially, the right platform for them to elevate their chemistry even further.
Hailey Van Lith’s Journey: From Louisville to LSU to the WNBA
Van Lith’s basketball journey has been one of both triumph and transformation. She began her collegiate career at Louisville, where she quickly rose to national prominence. During her three seasons with the Cardinals, she became one of the most dynamic guards in the country, earning a reputation for her intensity, court vision, and ability to score in clutch moments.
After her junior year, Van Lith made a bold move—transferring to LSU in hopes of contributing to a national championship campaign under the direction of head coach Kim Mulkey. The move was headline-grabbing, as LSU was coming off a national title win and had assembled a powerhouse roster.
At LSU, Van Lith joined forces with Angel Reese and a team stacked with talent, including the likes of Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow. On paper, the Tigers looked unstoppable. And for much of the season, they were. Van Lith served as a key backcourt leader, averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. She also frequently connected with Reese in the paint, playing a crucial role in the star forward’s dominant season—18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game.
Despite all the talent and hype, the Tigers’ season ended earlier than hoped. In a thrilling and emotional Elite Eight matchup, LSU fell to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes, halting their repeat title hopes. The loss was crushing, but it also marked a turning point.
Transitioning to the Next Level
Following the season, Reese declared for the WNBA Draft and was selected 7th overall by the Chicago Sky. Since joining the league, she’s already made waves, delivering standout performances and quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the pros.
Van Lith’s path to the draft was a bit different. After LSU’s season ended, she made the decision to transfer once again, this time to Texas Christian University (TCU). The move reflected a desire for a better system fit, as her skillset didn’t quite mesh with Mulkey’s coaching philosophy or LSU’s overall offensive structure. While her time at TCU was brief, it gave her the space to prepare for the WNBA.
Analysts have noted that Van Lith’s game may translate better to the professional level, where the pace is faster and guards are often required to play with more freedom and creativity. Her strong ball-handling, perimeter shooting, and aggressive mindset make her an intriguing addition to the Sky roster.
Chicago Sky’s Strategic Draft Moves
The Chicago Sky approached the 2024 WNBA Draft with two late first-round picks and a clear vision: surround Angel Reese with young talent who could grow alongside her, but who also had experience playing at the highest levels of college basketball. The selection of Hailey Van Lith fits perfectly into that plan.
Van Lith brings grit, leadership, and versatility to the backcourt, something the Sky have been seeking as they retool their roster. Reuniting her with Reese also provides a built-in chemistry that could help fast-track the development of the team’s offense. The trust and understanding that already exists between the two could be a major asset, especially in close games or pressure-filled moments.
Moreover, Van Lith’s presence adds to the Sky’s growing identity—a team built around toughness, hustle, and high-energy players who aren’t afraid to make big plays. With the addition of Reese and Van Lith, the Sky have positioned themselves as one of the most exciting young teams in the league.
What to Expect From the Reese–Van Lith Reunion
As the WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Reese–Van Lith dynamic translates to the pros. During their time at LSU, the two often ran pick-and-roll actions, with Van Lith creating space for herself or feeding Reese inside. Their complementary styles—Reese’s dominance in the paint and Van Lith’s perimeter skills—made them difficult to defend when clicking.
In the WNBA, where defenses are sharper and the margin for error is slimmer, the challenge will be greater. But the potential upside is enormous. If the duo can rediscover and refine their chemistry, they could become one of the most dangerous young tandems in the league.
Off the court, their bond is equally strong. Both are charismatic, competitive, and eager to prove themselves at the next level. That shared mentality could fuel their growth and inspire their teammates, creating a winning culture within the Sky organization.
A Bright Future in the Windy City
With a fanbase hungry for success and a franchise investing in youth and talent, the Chicago Sky are in a position to build something special. The Reese–Van Lith reunion is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a strategic alignment of two young stars with unfinished business.
For Angel Reese, this season is about building on a record-breaking rookie campaign and continuing her rise as one of the faces of the league. For Hailey Van Lith, it’s a fresh start and a chance to prove that her game belongs at the highest level.
Together, they offer Chicago a glimpse into the future—one filled with passion, hustle, and maybe even some long-awaited redemption.
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