Angel Reese was already a big name even before she entered the WNBA with the Chicago Sky.
The 6-foot-3 forward made her mark on women’s basketball during her college days. Reese started her NCAA career with the Maryland Terrapins, where she played for two seasons. In 2022, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to join the LSU Tigers.
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Reese reached the pinnacle with the Tigers in 2023, when she helped lead the team to a national championship. In two years with LSU, she averaged 20.9 points on 50.1% shooting, 14.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 32.6 minutes per contest.
Former LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese (10) and former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22).Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
One man who played a key role in Reese’s two seasons at Baton Rouge was Gary Redus II. At that time, Redus was an assistant coach for the Tigers, and he was part of the staff that recruited Reese from Maryland.
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Reese worked closely with Redus during their time together at LSU. The two-time All-Star credits Redus for helping her prepare for her transition into the WNBA.
Redus was recently named the new head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Reese had nothing but high praise for her former coach now that Redus is taking a major step in his career.
“From bringing me to LSU, guiding my growth and helping me transition my game to the WNBA, you’ve been there on and off the court,” Reese said, via an Instagram poist from Rutgers. “You’re the definition of a players’ coach—someone who develops us, genuinely cares about every player as a person, and puts you in positions to win.
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“You’ve challenged me to be the best version of myself in every aspect of life. I’m certain you’ll bring that same impact to Rutgers and help bring the winning culture. Rutgers just got a good one!”
Rutgers hired Redus with high hopes. He is expected to rebuild the program’s recruiting pipelines while also re-establishing a winning culture within the squad. Rutgers brings championship experience to the table for his new team, and this will be pivotal for the Scarlet Tigers as they continue to facilitate their post-C. Vivian Stringer era.
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Redus has some big shoes to fill at Rutgers, but as Reese indicated, he is the right man for the job.
Related: Angel Reese Development With Team USA Causes a Stir
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.