Angel Reese gets high praise from Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal amid WNBA 2025 shooting slump

Angel Resse’s 2025 season in the WNBA may not have opened with highlight reels and viral moments, but the Chicago Sky forward has something far more valuable in her corner: the full support of the Hall of Famer and legend Shaquille O’Neal. The 2025 campaign has seen Reese put up modest scoring numbers. Despite facing mounting criticism for her offensive inconsistency, the 23-year-old continues to lead the league in rebounds per game. And now, she’s received a public appreciation from one of basketball’s most dominant voices: Shaquille O’Neal.Shaquille O’Neal didn’t mince words when asked about the scrutiny Reese has been under. The former NBA MVP acknowledged the spotlight on her game but emphasized that greatness isn’t always immediate and certainly doesn’t depend on pleasing critics. “She’s better than some of the players people love to praise. She knows it, and that’s what matters,” O’Neal said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “Ignore the noise. They don’t know what they’re talking about.”He continued, “When people don’t understand who you are, they create their version. That’s not her problem. She’s playing her game, learning, and getting better.”Reese has been averaging 10 points and a league-high 12.3 rebounds, but her shooting at just 31.1% has drawn concern. Still, for O’Neal, it’s clear that the metrics don’t tell the full story. He pointed to her relentless energy, leadership, and self-belief as traits that can't be quantified. The Chicago Sky have struggled as a unit, sitting at 2-4 after six games. Yet Reese’s rebounding and defensive presence continue to stand out. She recently became the fastest player in league history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds, achieved in just 38 games. Fans have been split online. While some point fingers at Reese’s missed layups or lack of scoring, others echo Shaq’s views, highlighting her ability to consistently impact the game even when he shot isn’t falling. As the Sky prepare to face the Indiana Fever again on June 7, the spotlight will remain on Reese. But with Shaquille O’Neal in her corner and history on her side, she’s still building her story.Also Read: Why does the NBA trophy bear Larry O’Brien’s name exploring a legacy beyond the game