The Chicago Sky’s selection of Hailey Van Lith with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft has created one of the most exciting storylines of the offseason. The pick reunites Van Lith with her former LSU teammate Angel Reese, who was drafted seventh overall by the Sky last year, rekindling a partnership that showed immense promise during their time together in Baton Rouge.
When the news broke that Van Lith would be joining her in Chicago, Reese didn’t waste time expressing her excitement. The star forward took to social media with a message that instantly went viral among basketball fans. Her reaction captured the anticipation of what this reunion might bring to the Windy City.
“Let’s Run It Back” – Reese’s Perfect Reaction to Van Lith Reunion
“We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk,” Reese wrote on social media, referencing their unfinished business from their LSU days. The 12-word message says a lot about Reese’s attitude, as she is ready to welcome her former teammate to Chicago, proposing that they have something to prove since their college run together ended earlier than they had envisioned.
We ain’t do it right the first time. Let’s run it backkkkk🫣 https://t.co/8PXLsHkUyN
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 15, 2025
The duo’s history dates back to the 2023-24 season at LSU, where they formed a powerful team that had championship aspirations. Despite their efforts, the team fell short in the Elite Eight against Iowa, leaving both players with a sense of unfulfilled potential in their brief time as teammates.
The Journey That Led to Their Chicago Reunion
After their season together at LSU, Van Lith and Reese took different paths. While Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft and began her professional career with the Sky, Van Lith chose TCU as her college destination to improve her prospects for the following draft.
At TCU, Van Lith showcased her complete skill set, averaging an impressive 17.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Her play at TCU as a Horned Frog demonstrated her advancement on both offense and defense, which made her desirable to WNBA teams searching for guard options.
During Reese’s first WNBA season, the Chicago Sky witnessed her emerge as a rising star among young league talents. Her presence has already begun reshaping the franchise’s identity, and adding Van Lith to the mix creates intriguing possibilities for the team’s future.
The Sky’s decision to draft Van Lith appears strategic, recognizing the potential benefits of reuniting players with established chemistry.
Basketball analysts have noted that the familiarity between Reese and Van Lith could accelerate the team’s development and create immediate on-court advantages that might otherwise take seasons to cultivate.
The skills that Van Lith developed at TCU—particularly her improved playmaking and court vision—complement Reese’s interior presence and rebounding prowess.
KEEP READING: Hailey Van Lith Scouting Report
Chicago fans anticipate advantageous outcomes from the reunion, which could drive the Sky toward championship possibilities. The strong bond between these players delivers an unseen force that potentially creates stronger unity and commitment during basketball games.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
