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LSU's basketball star, Angel Reese, is signed to a multi-year name, image, and likeness deal with Reebok. Shaquille "Shaq" O'Neal and Allen Iverson's new appointment to Reebok reportedly influenced this decision. Shaq was recently hired on as the company's president of basketball operations, and Allen Iverson, who has had a long-standing relationship with Reebok, is the new vice president of basketball operations. During the early part of his NBA career, Iverson inked a reported $50 million deal with Reebok while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. The former star point guard also released a shoe with the company.
Shaq, a former LSU basketball star, expressed his astonishment with Angel last season when her team won the women's NCAA national championship against Iowa. Shortly after the championship win, Reese graced the cover of Sports Illustrated with gymnast and fellow LSU athlete Olivia Dunn. LSU's 6'3" star has reeled in many lucrative endorsements and partnerships. The Coach brand actually sought after her for a partnership before the NCAA finals. Essence says, "Per an On3 report, Reese is earning $392,000/year on endorsement deals with companies like Bose, JanSport, McDonald's, Outback Steakhouse, Xfinity, among others." Reese reportedly has more NIL deals than any other NCAA players, male and female, from the NCAA tournament. Essence reports that Reese ranks number five in college sports overall. The athletes who are reportedly ahead of her are Rayquan Smith, Norfolk State, football and track, 66 deals; Ky’Wuan Dukes, Johnson C. Smith University, football, 29 deals; Lauren Burke, Texas, softball, 22 deals; Jon Seaton, Elon, football, 18 deals.
After two years, she left The University of Maryland's basketball program. Last year was her first season with the LSU Tigers, which proved to be a good decision for her college career, especially with having the opportunity to be coached by Kim Mulkey and win a national championship. Sports Illustrated said Reese's surge in celebrity status after the championship game requires her to take online classes now instead of traveling to campus!
Reese is a supernova. It will be interesting to see what else she accomplishes for the remainder of her college career. To follow this story and other news, click the link to become a Volume 82 site member.
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