Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson: A Bond Forged Through Triumph and Struggle

Angel Reese’s admiration for A’ja Wilson has never been a secret. From Wilson’s three MVP titles to her dominance in the WNBA, Reese has often looked up to the Las Vegas Aces superstar. But for Reese, it wasn’t just Wilson’s trophies and accolades that made her an icon—it was her resilience in the face of adversity.

“It wasn’t an easy journey for her; it has never been an easy journey for me,” Reese once said, highlighting how deeply she relates to Wilson’s path. Their connection, however, has now taken center stage following a heated moment on social media.

A’ja Wilson Fires Back at Hate—Angel Reese Stands with Her

In a recent Instagram post, Wilson shared a series of photos from the basketball court, captioned:
“Keep Going Up The Ladder, They Mad Make Em Madder  ’25 BHM was one for the books  #BIYTC.”

But this wasn’t just any regular post. Alongside her photos, Wilson exposed two deeply hateful messages she had received:

 “U a dum hoe FR.”
 “You suck at basketball monkey.”

The racial slurs and degrading insults immediately sparked outrage across the basketball world. However, one response stood out—Angel Reese simply commented: “Facts.”

A single word, yet it spoke volumes. Many interpreted Reese’s comment as a nod of support, a way of saying that Wilson deserves far better than the hate she endures.

The Bond Between Reese and Wilson—More Than Just Basketball

This is far from the first time Reese has openly expressed her admiration for Wilson. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she reiterated how much Wilson had inspired her, especially as a Black woman navigating the world of professional sports.

Wilson, too, has acknowledged seeing elements of herself in Reese. On X, she once wrote:
“I saw a little bit of myself in her… I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that is young A’ja, 100%.’”

Their connection isn’t just built on basketball talent—it’s built on shared struggles and relentless perseverance.

A’ja Wilson’s Eye-Opening Childhood Experience

Wilson’s awareness of racial discrimination didn’t begin in the WNBA. She first experienced it as a child.

Back in eighth grade, Wilson had a friend who invited her to a birthday party sleepover. Everything seemed normal—until the girl hesitated. Then, she said something that Wilson would never forget:

“You’re welcome to come… but you’ll have to sleep outside.”

It wasn’t the friend’s decision—it was her father’s rule. He didn’t like Black people, and Wilson was no exception.

The memory stayed with Wilson, shaping her into the advocate she is today. She later channeled her experiences into her book, Dear Black Girls, where she speaks directly to young women who may face the same struggles.

For Reese, Wilson’s story resonates deeply. She, too, has been subjected to intense criticism and racial double standards, especially after transitioning into professional basketball.

“Y’all know I’ve been going through this for the last two years but was told ‘save the tears’ & ‘stop playing victim.’ Y’all a little late to the party and could have tried to put out this fire way before it started…” Reese wrote on X, reflecting on the discrimination she has faced.

Despite the challenges, Reese has continued to look to Wilson for strength. On her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she praised Wilson’s willingness to be vulnerable:

“She shows her emotions on social media. I love that about her and a lot of people knock her for that. And I hate that. I hate that she doesn’t get all that she deserves. So I just want to give her that.”

What Did Reese’s Comment Really Mean?

With all this context, the meaning behind Reese’s one-word comment on Wilson’s post—“Facts.”—becomes even more profound.

Was it a criticism of those who downplay Wilson’s struggles?
Was it a message of solidarity, reaffirming that the hate Wilson receives is unacceptable?
Or was it simply a reminder that Wilson, despite it all, continues to dominate and inspire?

One thing is clear—Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson’s bond is about more than basketball. It’s about resilience, representation, and the fight for respect.

 What do you think? Was Reese’s comment a critique or a statement of support? Join the conversation!