Flau’jae Johnson, a sophomore guard for LSU, vehemently supported her teammate Angel Reese, who broke down in tears as she described being targeted by haters following the Tigers’ elimination from the March Madness tournament on Monday night, 94-87 against Iowa.
Johnson, who scored 23 points to lead No. 3 seed LSU, told reporters that Reese’s national exposure has led to her being misinterpreted and villainized.
The 20-year-old Johnson stated, “Everyone can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her,” at an Albany press conference following the game. “Angel Reese is unknown to you guys. Angel Reese is someone I know. I am familiar with the actual Angel Reese, and the person I meet on a daily basis is a resilient, kind, and loving individual.
At the podium, Reese, 21, wiped away tears as Johnson complimented her on her leadership skills.
She is wearing a huge crown. “She is the kind of teammate who will inspire you to have confidence in yourself,” the rapper from “Big 4” went on. Angel gave me the courage to go be a dog as I made the leap from my freshman to my sophomore year. playing every day close to a dog. We all have difficulties, but this is my sister, and I’m really proud of her, even though I see how the media makes fun of her. You guys don’t know Angel, how they like to distort things and paint her as the villain. All I can say is that I’m glad I get to play with her and spend time with her since her energy and presence are different. She simply improves me as a player. and outstanding players act in this way.
Hailey Van Lith, a senior guard for LSU, continued to reaffirm Johnson’s remarks and praised Reese for her resilience in the face of intense criticism.
“You guys don’t reach her. Again, let me emphasise: You guys don’t get to interact with Angel Reese, so you might want to give it up. Towel in, please. therefore you’re squandering your energy. Van Lith stated, “Angel is among the toughest people I’ve ever met.”
“Angel is among the most resilient individuals I’ve encountered.” I’ve never seen people desire terrible things on someone as much as they do for her. People spew hate into her life. And she is unaffected by it. She consistently shows up for practice and goes about her daily life in the manner that she chooses. She also won’t allow anyone to alter that. And therein lies the secret to life.
On April 1, 2024 in Albany, New York, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith of the LSU Tigers talk with the media following their team’s 94-87 defeat at the hands of the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena.
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On April 1, 2024, at MVP Arena, Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith of the LSU Tigers address the media following their 94-87 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Getty Photographs
Reese was also endorsed by Swin Cash, a three-time WNBA champion who serves as the New Orleans Pelicans’ vice president of basketball operations and team development.
“Reese10Angel, you are loved and supported by many people you have never met, even though this world can be cruel at times.” Early on Tuesday, Cash wrote in a post on X. “My dear, you have prayer warriors filling in the void. Let go, straighten your crown, and trust that this too will pass. He who is me is greater.
Before fouling out with just under two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Reese finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds in 36 minutes.
The All-American forward was on the bench as Iowa guard Caitlin Clark led the No. 1 Hawkeyes to a victory against the defending champion Tigers with 41 points.
