In the modern WNBA, the spotlight doesn’t just illuminate—it burns. For Angel Reese, the 2025 season has been a whirlwind of record-breaking double-doubles and relentless online scrutiny. But in a move that shifted the cultural conversation, WNBA GOAT Cynthia Cooper stepped out of the hall of fame shadows to offer a defense so powerful it left the “Chi-Barbie” in tears of pride.
Appearing on CBS Sports’ We Need To Talk in late August 2025, Cooper didn’t just praise Reese’s stats; she validated her soul. Her words served as a bridge between the legends who built the league and the stars who are now expanding its borders.
“She Reminds Me of Me”: The Ultimate Endorsement
The crux of Cooper’s defense was a rare comparison. Cooper, a four-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP, famously played with an edge that critics often mistook for arrogance. In Reese, she sees a kindred spirit.
“I need to give a shoutout to Angel Reese,” Cooper said with a conviction that silenced the room. “She reminds me of me when I was starting out and I didn’t care. Say what you want to say, I’m bringing my A-game tonight. You’re gonna have to stop me from getting all these rebounds. Stop me if you can.”
Cooper’s defense targeted the “noise”—the trolls who fixate on Reese’s shooting percentages or her “unapologetic” personality. By framing Reese’s attitude as a competitive necessity rather than a character flaw, Cooper effectively dismantled the narrative that Reese is “too much” for the game.
A Tearful Response to Mentorship
For Reese, the defense from a pioneer like Cooper was a breaking point in the best way possible. Having faced a barrage of online attacks throughout 2025—including disturbing incidents of fan misconduct—the validation from a legend provided a rare moment of emotional release.
Reese, who often presents a “bulletproof” exterior, took to social media to respond. Insiders noted that the 23-year-old was visibly moved, sharing that having her “idols become her shields” made the heavy crown of fame easier to wear.
“When the GOAT speaks, you listen,” Reese shared in a heartfelt post. “To be seen by Cynthia Cooper—not just as a player, but as a person—means everything. The tears are real, but the pride is stronger.”
The Wider Impact: A “Tight Circle” of Solidarity
This exchange signals a significant shift in the WNBA community. We are witnessing a mentorship revolution. Cooper highlighted that Reese has sought guidance not just from her, but from other icons like Lisa Leslie.
This “tight circle,” as Cooper called it, represents a new era of protection for young Black athletes in the WNBA. It’s a signal to the world that the league’s pioneers will not sit idly by while the next generation is dismantled by “keyboard warriors.”
Beyond the Box Score
As Reese continues her 2025 campaign, leading the league in rebounding and orchestrating the Chicago Sky’s offense with newfound playmaking skill, the “Cooper Defense” remains a defining moment of her year. It reminded fans that:
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Resilience is a Skill: Being a “workaholic” (as Cooper described her) is what separates stars from legends.
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Authenticity is a Power: You don’t have to “tone it down” to be respected by the greats.
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Unity is the Future: The bond between generations of WNBA players is the league’s strongest asset.
Angel Reese may still face critics, but she no longer faces them alone. With Cynthia Cooper in her corner, the “Bayou Barbie” isn’t just surviving the storm—she’s commanding it.
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