Isis Young Calls Out Angel Reese: “Exit Interviews Are Part of Being a Professional”
CHICAGO — Former Syracuse guard and basketball analyst Isis Young has stepped into one of the WNBA’s most talked-about debates, calling out Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese for reportedly skipping her team’s end-of-season exit interview. Young’s remarks, delivered during a recent broadcast segment, reignited discussions about professionalism, player accountability, and the expectations that come with stardom in the league.
“If you want to be respected at the next level, you’ve got to handle every part of the job — not just the games,” Young said. “Exit interviews are part of being a professional. They’re not optional if you want to grow in this league.”
Her comments came after reports surfaced that Reese, one of the most visible and polarizing figures in women’s basketball, did not attend her scheduled meeting with Sky management following the conclusion of the 2025 WNBA season. While neither the team nor Reese has officially confirmed the absence, speculation spread rapidly online, fueling broader discussions about maturity and leadership among younger players.
Angel Reese, 22, has quickly become one of the WNBA’s most marketable players, known for her unapologetic confidence and emotional play. Since entering the league, she has drawn both praise and criticism for her outspoken personality — something that has made her a lightning rod for public scrutiny. Throughout her rookie year, Reese often emphasized her focus on the game itself, occasionally brushing off media narratives surrounding her persona.
Isis Young’s remarks, however, struck at a different chord — professionalism off the court. The former athlete and ESPN analyst highlighted that exit interviews are not merely a formality but a key part of a player’s professional development. “It’s about accountability,” she said. “Coaches want to know what worked, what didn’t, and how both sides can improve. Skipping that process sends the wrong message — especially for someone with Angel’s platform.”
The WNBA community quickly responded, with fans and analysts divided on Young’s stance. Some agreed that consistency and respect for organizational structure are essential for long-term success, while others argued that Reese, after a grueling rookie season, deserved space and privacy.
Veteran players also weighed in subtly through social media. One anonymous WNBA veteran told The Athletic, “We’ve all been young once, but professionalism is what separates great players from legends. You can’t just show up for the cameras — you’ve got to show up for the meetings, too.”
The situation highlights an ongoing generational shift in the WNBA. The league is increasingly defined by personalities like Reese and Caitlin Clark — young stars who attract massive attention beyond basketball — while older players and analysts stress the importance of maintaining the league’s culture of discipline and respect.
For Angel Reese, the controversy adds another layer to an already eventful debut year. She posted one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory, averaging a double-double and becoming a leading voice for player empowerment. But as the spotlight grows brighter, so too do the expectations that accompany it.
In her final post of the season, Reese thanked fans and reflected briefly on her journey. “This year was about growth, learning, and finding peace,” she wrote. “Everything else — people will talk, but I know who I am.”
Isis Young, for her part, insisted her comments weren’t personal but intended as constructive criticism. “Angel is a phenomenal player with unlimited potential,” Young said. “But professionalism doesn’t just happen on the court. It’s how you carry yourself when no one’s watching that defines your legacy.”
As the WNBA offseason unfolds, the discussion sparked by Young’s statement continues to ripple across social media and sports talk shows — a timely reminder that in the era of visibility and branding, the definition of professionalism in women’s basketball is being rewritten before everyone’s eyes…
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