WNBA star Angel Reese expressed heartfelt pride as her younger brother, Julian Reese, signed a two-way contract with the Washington Wizards on February 28, 2026. This important NBA milestone marks a significant step in the young forward’s professional basketball career, a journey closely followed by his sister from their hometown of Baltimore.
Julian Reese’s NBA Opportunity Comes After Persistent Effort
Julian Reese’s signing with the Washington Wizards offers him a valuable chance to demonstrate his skills at the highest level, following an uphill path marked by perseverance and hard work. Though this is his first long-term NBA contract, it follows a prior Exhibit 10 agreement with the Toronto Raptors. The new deal represents a meaningful advancement after an uncertain start to his professional career.
Angel Reese shared her excitement on social media, posting:
“My baby brother🥺Ugh I’m so proud of you! Your journey has never been easy & you’ve always stayed the course! Let’s go Juju! 🥳🙏🏽”
This message underlines the deep connection and mutual support between the siblings as Julian prepares for this next chapter.
Shared Roots in Baltimore Shape Their Basketball Paths
Growing up in Baltimore, Angel and Julian Reese developed their talents together, attending St. Frances Academy before pursuing separate collegiate careers. Angel earned national acclaim after transferring to LSU and becoming a WNBA standout, while Julian stayed closer to home, starring for the University of Maryland Terrapins. Their parallel journeys highlight a family deeply invested in basketball.
Julian’s route to the NBA, however, has been challenging. After going undrafted in 2025, he participated in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League but did not secure a roster spot. Undeterred, he spent the season with the Raptors 905 in the G League, steadily refining his game and awaiting another opportunity.
Now with the Washington Wizards, just a few miles from his Baltimore roots, Julian has a platform to prove himself and carve out a lasting role in the NBA.
From Maryland Standout to NBA Prospect: Julian Reese’s College Achievements
During his four years at Maryland, Julian Reese built a strong reputation as a dependable frontcourt player. Standing 6’9”, he utilized his size to dominate the paint with rebounding and physicality. In his final two seasons, he averaged 13.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Julian’s collegiate performance secured him a place in Maryland’s history books, as he joined the exclusive club of players with over 1,000 points and rebounds, ranking second all-time in rebounds for the Terrapins. He was instrumental in leading the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2025, where they were ultimately defeated by the Florida Gators, who went on to win the championship.
His transition to the Wizards offers a chance to translate his collegiate impact into the professional arena. The organization’s interest signals their belief in his potential to develop into a key contributor as they refine their young roster heading into the next NBA season.
Significance of the Moment for Angel and Julian Reese
For Angel Reese, this moment reflects more than a simple roster move — it represents a continuation of the shared basketball journey that has defined the siblings’ lives. Her public expression of pride reveals the emotional weight of Julian’s accomplishment, emphasizing the dedication it has taken from both of them to reach this point.
Having risen through the ranks together from Baltimore gyms to national stages, Angel and Julian’s story resonates as an inspiring testament to family support and relentless drive. As Julian embarks on the next phase of his career with the Washington Wizards, the Reese family’s basketball legacy continues to grow, shaping their futures and fueling their dreams.
My baby brother🥺Ugh I’m so proud of you! Your journey has never been easy & you’ve always stayed the course! Let’s go Juju! 🥳🙏🏽 @Reese10Julian https://t.co/6b6OloTHeo
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 28, 2026
