Following LSU’s NCAA Tournament victory, Angel Reese sent a strong message to the NC State coach.
Angel Reese, the standout forward for the LSU Tigers, has been one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball throughout the 2023-2024 NCAA Tournament. Her performances on the court have been nothing short of extraordinary, helping LSU clinch their first-ever NCAA championship. However, beyond her stellar play, it was an incident involving a message to NC State coach Wes Moore that garnered significant attention. This incident would become a defining moment not just in LSU’s championship journey, but also in the broader conversation about sportsmanship, competition, and the role of athletes in influencing culture.
The NCAA Tournament and the LSU Tigers
Before diving into the incident involving Angel Reese and the NC State coach, it’s important to first contextualize her incredible performance and LSU’s remarkable run to the national title. LSU had been on a tear throughout the NCAA Tournament, showcasing a high-octane offense and a gritty defense. Their victory over Iowa in the final secured their place in history, but the road to that championship was paved with tough competition.
Angel Reese had been the focal point of LSU’s success. She was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, showing off her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive tenacity. Reese’s versatility made her a matchup nightmare for opponents, and her relentless drive and passion for the game became contagious to her teammates. By the time LSU made it to the championship game, there was little doubt that Reese had solidified herself as one of the best players in the country.
The NC State Game: A Bitter Rivalry
The tournament game that led to Reese’s message to NC State’s Wes Moore occurred during a particularly heated and emotional matchup. LSU had faced NC State in the Elite Eight, and the matchup had been highly anticipated, with both teams being among the top contenders in women’s college basketball. NC State, under head coach Wes Moore, had a reputation for its disciplined, tough defense and a deep, talented roster. The game between these two powerhouse teams was expected to be a battle of wills, with both sides unwilling to back down.
LSU’s victory in that game was a hard-fought one, and it came with moments of frustration for both teams. Throughout the contest, there were moments of tension, with multiple fouls, controversial calls, and emotional exchanges on the floor. Angel Reese, known for her fiery personality, was no stranger to engaging in physical and mental battles with opponents, and the NC State game was no different. Reese’s ability to handle pressure and perform in high-stakes situations made her a difference-maker, but the game was not without controversy.
The turning point came late in the contest when NC State’s players, particularly star player Jada Boyd, became visibly frustrated with the officiating. In the final minutes of the game, a disputed call involving a foul on Boyd led to a heated exchange between the NC State bench and the referees. This exchange was heated enough that coach Wes Moore was seen arguing with the officials, attempting to advocate for his team. The emotions boiled over, and the NC State coaching staff felt that the game was slipping away from them.
Angel Reese’s Message
Following LSU’s victory, which sent them to the Final Four, Angel Reese took to social media to send a clear and pointed message to Wes Moore. Reese, known for her unapologetic style and fierce competitive spirit, shared a post that didn’t mince words. The post was a direct message to the NC State coach, addressing what she felt was an unsportsmanlike approach during the game. The post read:
“Next time you talk about us, make sure you know what you’re talking about. We earned this win with blood, sweat, and tears. No easy road, no excuses. We’re not backing down.”
This message, though short, was impactful, and it reverberated throughout the college basketball community. Reese’s direct challenge to Moore was seen by many as a reflection of her unyielding belief in her team’s ability and their rightful place as the best team in the tournament. In the context of the rivalry between LSU and NC State, the message added fuel to an already fiery dynamic between the two teams.
While some fans supported Reese’s message as a show of confidence and a representation of her team’s fight, others criticized it as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike. Reese’s post was not just about the rivalry, though—it was about something bigger. It was about proving that LSU, and particularly Reese, were deserving of the accolades that were coming their way. It was a response to those who questioned LSU’s legitimacy as a championship contender, and it was a message to the critics who doubted her team’s heart and resilience.
The Response from Wes Moore and NC State
Wes Moore, for his part, responded to the message with a level-headed, professional approach. He publicly acknowledged Reese’s comments, saying that while he respected her competitive spirit, he did not condone any form of disrespect. Moore emphasized that the game was a hard-fought contest, and while emotions ran high, it was important to move on and focus on the bigger picture.
“I have a lot of respect for Angel Reese and the LSU team,” Moore said in a press conference. “They played a great game and earned their victory. I have no issue with the competition, but it’s always important to keep things in perspective and be respectful of one another, even after the final buzzer sounds.”
Despite the tension surrounding the message, it was clear that Moore’s response was aimed at de-escalating the situation. In many ways, it mirrored the professionalism and grace that he had shown throughout his tenure at NC State, where he had earned a reputation for fostering an environment of respect and discipline.
However, there were still many who felt that Reese’s message was necessary. After all, in a sport dominated by narratives around dynasties and established programs, LSU had been working tirelessly to create their own identity. They weren’t just a team trying to win—they were a team trying to reshape the perception of women’s college basketball. Angel Reese’s message to Wes Moore was, therefore, not just about a single game—it was about the larger cultural battle for respect in women’s sports.
The Broader Implications
Angel Reese’s post-game message to Wes Moore served as a symbol of the changing nature of women’s sports. Women athletes have long fought for recognition and respect in a world that often overlooks their accomplishments. Reese, as one of the most recognizable figures in women’s college basketball, was in a position to challenge that status quo. Her message was a declaration that, for all the focus on men’s sports and the biases that exist within them, women’s basketball was not to be underestimated.
This moment also underscored the complex relationships between athletes, coaches, and the media. In the digital age, athletes have an unprecedented ability to communicate directly with their audience, bypassing traditional media filters. Reese’s post was a reflection of this shift—no longer were athletes just the subjects of media narratives, they were shaping their own stories.
Moreover, the incident with Wes Moore added to the larger conversation about sportsmanship and competition. In many ways, Reese’s message was a call for authenticity. She was unapologetic about the passion and drive that fueled her team’s success. For too long, there had been a narrative that athletes—especially women athletes—needed to remain humble and composed in the face of victory. Angel Reese’s actions, however, flipped that narrative. She showed that it was okay to be fierce, to stand your ground, and to demand respect when it was earned.
A Defining Moment
In the end, Angel Reese’s message to Wes Moore wasn’t just a reaction to a heated moment on the basketball court. It was a statement—a statement about the power of athletes, the importance of respect, and the determination to rewrite the narrative around women’s sports. LSU’s victory in the NCAA Tournament was not just a triumph on the court; it was a victory for the athletes who had long been underestimated and overlooked.
Reese’s unapologetic attitude and bold message to Wes Moore cemented her place as a cultural figure within the world of sports. Whether you agreed with her approach or not, one thing was clear: Angel Reese was not just a player to watch—she was a force that was reshaping the future of women’s college basketball.
As LSU celebrates its national title and Angel Reese continues to make waves both on and off the court, the message remains: don’t underestimate the power of determination, self-belief, and unapologetic confidence.