Angel Reese made sure her younger brother felt the love on his birthday. The professional forward shared a personal message to celebrate her brother turning 23. 

The Instagram Story featured a collage of four photos showing the siblings together. According to screenshots shared by the user @ar5source, the tribute highlighted their relationship over the years. 

She posted an Instagram Story on June 30 to celebrate his special day. The caption read, “the one i’ve never ever played about! so proud of you & everything you are continuing to accomplish! so many great things in store for you this year! love youuuuu @shifty_ju”.

The phrase "the one I've never played about" is a slang term used to describe a person someone takes seriously. It means she has always protected him, supported him, and never treated his goals like a joke. 

The older sibling grew emotional when her brother signed his first professional basketball contract. Julian Reese has also spoken about receiving advice before and after his professional games. 

The younger Reese starred at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore before playing college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins. 

He went undrafted but then signed a professional two-way deal with the Washington Wizards. He has spent time playing for the Capital City Go-Go and posting double-doubles early in his career. 

His journey to the NBA is just another piece of their family chapter. 

A Family History of Basketball

Both parents played college basketball and continued their careers professionally overseas.

Their mother, Angel Webb Reese, played at UMBC and had her number 10 jersey retired after being inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

She later took her athletic talents to Luxembourg. Their father, Michael Reese, played for Boston College and Loyola University Maryland before his own international career in Cyprus, Austria, and Portugal, according to Today.com. 

The WNBA star followed a similar path from a young age. She was first coached by her mother and learned the basics at home. Her journey started at St. Frances Academy and the University of Maryland before she transferred to LSU. 

She was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her brother followed the early steps through the local Maryland basketball scene.

Even though they play in different professional leagues, the siblings continue to celebrate every major career milestone. 

Which other sibling duos currently playing in the NBA or WNBA do you think have the biggest impact on their teams?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha