Angel Reese, reflecting on the recent dismissal of Teresa Weatherspoon, revealed that she finds it difficult to envision her future with the Chicago Sky now that Weatherspoon is no longer the head coach. Weatherspoon, who was let go after just one season, was a key figure in Reese’s decision to join the team.
Chicago concluded the 2024 season with a disappointing 13-27 record, marking their first playoff absence since 2018. Reese, speaking to the *Chicago Sun-Times*, expressed her dismay, stating, “I can’t picture playing for the Sky without her. She was the reason I came here.”
Reese was drafted by the Sky as the 7th overall pick earlier this year after leading LSU to their first-ever NCAA championship in 2023. Her emotional attachment to Weatherspoon was evident when she posted a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), expressing how “heartbroken” she was by the news.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Reese wrote. “She believed in me when no one else did. Being a Black woman in sports, it’s rare to find someone who fully understands and supports you. Spoon was that person for me.”
Reese continued to highlight the challenges Weatherspoon faced throughout the season. Despite these challenges, Reese shared, “You had a tough job, but no matter what we went through, you always believed in me. I came to Chicago because of you.”
She acknowledged how quickly their bond had grown, explaining, “We developed a relationship that I know will last forever. God brings people into your life for a reason, and Spoon was the best reason and season. You didn’t deserve this outcome, but I am so grateful for you.”
Reese, along with other players, had shown public support for Weatherspoon throughout the season, making it clear that their connection went beyond basketball. In a recent postgame press conference, Reese became emotional while describing the impact Weatherspoon had on her, saying, “She’s meant everything to me,” before wiping away tears.
Reports suggest there was some disconnect between Weatherspoon and the team during the season’s exit interviews. Several players noted that the team’s playing style fluctuated as the season progressed, and acknowledged that Weatherspoon faced a steep learning curve in her debut as a WNBA head coach.
This moment between Angel Reese and Teresa Weatherspoon 🫶 pic.twitter.com/5qGTtftXO3
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 27, 2024
Before coaching the Sky, Weatherspoon had no previous head coaching experience in the WNBA. She spent six years at Louisiana Tech and later served as a player development coach for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2020 to 2023. Her tenure with the Sky was marred by injuries, illnesses, and a lack of consistency. The team only managed to play two games with a fully healthy roster. Reese herself had her season cut short by a wrist injury in September, requiring surgery.
In addition to Reese’s injury, the team faced further challenges when guard Marina Mabrey requested a trade midway through the season, ultimately being sent to the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Sky are now tasked with finding their fourth head coach in just two years, following their championship win under James Wade in 2021.
Weatherspoon’s departure follows another coaching change in the league, as the Los Angeles Sparks parted ways with their head coach Curt Miller after two seasons. The Sparks, who finished with a league-worst record of 8-32, face similar struggles as they look to rebuild.
Reese’s future with the Sky remains uncertain, as the team searches for stability both on and off the court. The firing of Weatherspoon has undoubtedly shaken her faith in the organization, leaving fans to wonder what lies ahead for both the star forward and the franchise.