Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward recently selected for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament squad, is heading back to Unrivaled in South Beach for another season. Her return brings added strength to the Rose team as they aim to build on prior success in this intense 3-on-3 basketball competition.
Reese’s debut season in Unrivaled was marked by standout performances, including earning the Defensive Player of the Year award, demonstrating her crucial role on the Rose squad. This season, she will join a mix of returning teammates and fresh faces under the direction of the team’s first-ever head coach, Nola Henry.
Building Momentum: The Rose’s Early Season Challenges
Angel Reese joined the Rose just as the team was navigating the closing stretch of their regular season, an important period to solidify playoff positioning. The Rose started strong with three consecutive wins but then struggled to maintain that pace, falling to a 5-6 record. Currently, they are positioned mid-table alongside the Breeze and sit four games behind the league-leading Laces.
The Rose must face formidable opponents, including the Hive, prior to any playoff run. Their upcoming game against the Hive on February 20 at 8:45 p.m. EST will be critical. Fans can catch the action live on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max as the Rose strive to reclaim their championship-caliber form.
Key Returning Players Strengthening the Rose Roster
Veteran Leadership from Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray remains an influential figure in Unrivaled and the Rose’s lineup. A six-time WNBA All-Star and four-time champion, Gray continues to elevate her game with league-leading averages in both points and assists per game. She places among the top in made 3-pointers and steals, highlighting her all-around excellence.
Her ability to perform under pressure is well known; Gray has secured multiple game-winning shots, including a recent late jumper to clinch a win against the Vinyl. This season, she claimed her first 1-on-1 title after a three-game series triumph over Mist guard Allisha Gray, reinforcing her clutch reputation.
Kahleah Copper’s Consistent Scoring Threat
Kahleah Copper returns as a key offensive weapon for the Rose, known for her exciting playstyle since her days with the Chicago Sky. She added valuable experience with the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals and brings that championship experience back to Unrivaled.
In the current season, Copper has recorded four games scoring 20 points or more, including a streak of three consecutive high-scoring nights in late January. Her scoring consistency is complemented by sharp three-point shooting, maintaining a 40% success rate on 5.6 attempts per game and ranking tenth overall in scoring.
Lexie Hull’s Rising Impact
After playing against the Sky as a Midwestern rival, Lexie Hull has now become a two-time teammate alongside Angel Reese with the Rose. Hull averages 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game during their 2026 campaign and has earned more minutes recently, including a starting role in a January victory over the Breeze.
Her national experience extends beyond Unrivaled; Hull has represented the United States in multiple 3-on-3 tournaments, including two FIBA events in 2022 and winning gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, with former Sky and Rose teammate Azurá Stevens.
Fresh Faces Joining the Rose This Season
Shakira Austin’s Breakout Performances
Shakira Austin, a key figure from the Washington Mystics over the past four years, has elevated her game significantly in Unrivaled. Transitioning from a reserve role with the Lunar Owls to a starting spot with the Rose, she nearly doubled her points and rebounds per game compared to last season.
Austin has hit five double-doubles this year, with four coming in the last six games, and boasts a top-five ranking in field goal percentage. In the league’s 1-on-1 tournament, she won her opening round against Dearica Hamby but was narrowly eliminated in the next round by Aaliyah Edwards, who plays alongside former Sky guards Rachel Banham and Rebecca Allen on the Lunar Owls.
Rookie Sug Sutton Making Her Mark
Sug Sutton, the Rose’s lone Unrivaled rookie, contributes valuable minutes alongside Austin and Copper, having connections to the local scene through shared Texas ties with Sky guard Ariel Atkins. Sutton has participated in eight Unrivaled matches, including two fierce contests against the Lunar Owls, averaging just over five points per game.
Her season high of 10 points came during a narrow victory over the Vinyl, a thrilling championship rematch that tested the team’s depth and resilience as both starters and bench players contributed balanced efforts.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake for the Rose and Angel Reese Chicago Sky
Angel Reese’s return to the Rose lineup injects fresh hope into a team striving to regain its early-season dominance and contend for another title. With a blend of veteran leadership from Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper, international experience from Lexie Hull, and emerging talent like Shakira Austin and Sug Sutton, the Rose have the tools to mount a serious challenge.
The team’s ability to navigate the remaining games, including tough matchups against the Hive and other top squads, will determine if they can advance deep into the postseason. The upcoming contests will test their resolve and cohesion under coach Nola Henry’s guidance, with fans eagerly watching how this star-studded lineup performs on the national stage.
As the season progresses, continuing coverage from reporters like Alex Sabri will provide updates, exclusive insights, and deep analysis for fans of the Chicago Sky and Unrivaled’s high-stakes 3-on-3 competition.
