Angel Reese, one of basketball’s rising stars, is set to join the Rose Basketball Club in the Unrivaled basketball league, which tips off on January 17.
Reese’s team, led by coach Nola Henry, includes standout players such as Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Azura Stevens, Brittney Sykes and an as-yet-undetermined wildcard.
Competing against five other squads, Reese and her teammates are deep in preparation for the upcoming league-but they’re also looking to brush up on another type of competition: card games.
Kahleah Copper, a Phoenix Mercury star, recently took to X to joke about needing to learn how to play spades, a classic card game that’s a staple in basketball circles.
please somebody teach us in miami cause it’s embarrassing atp😠https://t.co/EOlt3a2hsg
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) November 28, 2024
“Please somebody teach us in Miami cause it’s embarrassing atp,” Reese replied
The exchange quickly went viral, drawing responses from fellow players and fans alike. Among them was Dearica Hamby, who plays for Vinyl BC in the Unrivaled league and is coached by Teresa Weatherspoon. Hamby offered to teach Reese and Copper the ropes, replying, “I got yall.”
Cards and camaraderie
Card games such as spades, poker and blackjack are beloved in basketball circles, often serving as a fun way for players to bond off the court. Reese and Copper’s playful request underscores the social element of the sport, where competition extends beyond basketball and into friendly games of strategy and chance.
Fans were quick to react to Reese’s post, with one quipping, “Why y’all playin spades in the first place?”
The lighthearted banter only added to the excitement as players gear up for the league created by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
The Unrivaled basketball league aims to bring together top talent for a unique competition. Reese, Copper, and their teammates are eager to showcase their skills and compete for the championship.
But as the players prepare for the games, they’re also embracing the camaraderie that makes basketball culture special-on and off the court.
