Angel Reese, Hailey Van Lith return to LSU in preseason showcase

(Photo by LSU Athletics)

By Rivers Hughey

Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith returned to LSU in style on Friday night, this time as WNBA players.

The former Tigers were welcomed back to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center with standing ovations as the Chicago Sky faced Brazil’s national team in an exhibition matchup.

Reese, entering her second season in the league, finished with a double-double (15 points and 10 rebounds) in front of more than 6,000 fans.

Van Lith, a rookie with the Sky and former LSU and Louisville standout, had seven points, five assists, and three boards in her professional debut.

The night was a celebration of their time in Baton Rouge. LSU coach Kim Mulkey greeted both players at midcourt with bouquets before the game, and a highlight reel of their collegiate careers played for the crowd.

Welcome back to the PMAC 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/mNRoq4WC4r

— LSU Women’s Basketball (@LSUwbkb) May 3, 2025

Reese and Van Lith were key members of LSU’s 2023 national championship run, a milestone that cemented the program’s resurgence under Mulkey. Their return marked more than just a preseason contest, it was a full-circle moment for two of the most recognizable names in women’s college basketball, now turning the page to the pros.

The Sky accomplished a 89-62 win, but the biggest victory of the night was the reunion between LSU fans and two of their all-time greats.

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