Angel Reese gets emotional over WNBA retirement news

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike announced on Wednesday that she will be retiring after this season. The news continues to be talked about in the WNBA world, with many current and former players reacting to it, including Angel Reese.

Ogwumike entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 by the Sparks. She has spent her entire WNBA career with the franchise and has had a lot of success. The 36-year-old is a one-time champion, one-time MVP and 11-time All-Star, among many other accolades.

She continues to play at a high level this season, averaging 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. However, she and Los Angeles are 12th in the standings with a 12-23 record. Meanwhile, Reese is also doing well in her third season, posting 14.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals through 34 games.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) warms up before a WNBA preseason game against the Chicago Sky.

Angel Reese posts message for Nneka Ogwumike

Reese posted an emotional message for Ogwumike on her Instagram story. The Atlanta Dream forward praised her for her standout career and thanked her for how she has treated her.

“MUVAAAAA ,” Reese wrote. “since i came into the league, you’ve shown me nothing but love and treated me like i was one of your own. my first vet. one of my GOATS. thank you for always pouring into me, believing in me, and having my back. like i already told you, your 15 years in this league were FLAWLESS, but somehow the person you are off the court speaks even louder than everything you accomplished on. you deserve ALL your flowers and so much more. forever grateful for you. LOVE YOU SIS @nneka .”

Reese and Ogwumike have played alongside each other during WNBA All-Star events. The LSU product has looked up to her and they share a bound off the court.

Atlanta and Los Angeles will clash on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena, and again four days later. The matchups gives Reese the opportunity to share the court once again with Ogwumike before she hangs her sneakers up for good.