Angel Reese’s admiration of A’ja Wilson has been no secret. For “Chi-Town Barbie,” the three-time MVP has been an inspiration and someone she looks up to.

Known for thriving despite criticism, Reese connects with Wilson more than a few. So, expect some show of support at all times.

In a recent Instagram post, Wilson took to her official account and shared a series of snaps from the basketball court.

“Keep Going Up The Ladder, They Mad Make Em Madder ‘25 BHM was one for the books  #BIYTC,” she captioned. But that wasn’t all—she also posted two of the hateful messages she received.

One of them? “U a dum hoe FR.” Another? Even worse—“You suck at basketball monkey.”

As expected, Reese, who has long admired Wilson, wasn’t about to stay silent. She dropped just one word in Wilson’s comments: “Facts.”
That single word carried weight.
For many, it seemed like a nod that the Aces superstar deserves far better.

That single word carried weight. For many, it seemed like a nod that the Aces superstar deserves far better.

Well, this isn’t the first time the 22-year-old Maryland native has expressed her deep appreciation for Wilson’s guidance and inspiration.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she highlighted, “It wasn’t an easy journey for her; it has never been an easy journey for me.”

She emphasised how the Aces star paved the way for her. And no doubt, both stars share a strong connection.

After facing common “racism” struggles, Angel Reese and Wilson feel connected.

A’ja Wilson learned the pros and cons of being a Black girl back in eighth grade. It happened when she made a friend and was invited to a birthday party sleepover.

“And as the invitations started going out and that thing started happening, and we’re moving closer to the date, the young girl kind of tells me like, ‘You’re welcome, but you’re going to have to sleep outside,’” Wilson recalled.

And her friend meant every word. It was her father who didn’t like Black people, and since Wilson was one of them, she had to sleep outside.

The incident blew her mind and, as expected, left a lasting mark.

But with supportive parents, Wilson made it through. “We knew that this day would come for her. I’m kind of glad it did happen that early because now she knew. She knew how to handle it,” added her mother.

That was the moment Wilson realized she needed to take a stand for Black girls—especially since she had come so far.

She did just that by releasing her book Dear Black Girls. So, for Reese, being one of them, she must have found parallels—especially as she herself has faced intense criticism since transitioning to the professional league.

“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…” penned the Chi-Town Barbie on X.

It was clear that she was affected. But, as she mentioned, Wilson inspired her to move forward. “She (A’Ja Wilson) 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.” Reese shared this on her podcast show Unapologetically Angel.

Not just that—even the three-time MVP has acknowledged that she sees elements of herself in Reese. “I saw a little bit of myself in her… I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that is young A’ja, 100%,’” shared Wilson on X. It’s her relentless drive and energy on the court that Wilson believes mirrors her own. Considering all this what do you think? Was Reese’s comment a criticism or praise?