Kara Lawson reveals how Angel Reese’s “aggression” can help Team USA
Kara Lawson believes Angel Reese's willingness to embrace her "aggression" can be a major asset for Team USA during its upcoming games.
Video Transcript
Team USA women's basketball coach Cara Lawson has spoken about the impact star forward Angel Reese can have for their roster at the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
According to ESPN, Lawson said she values how Reese elevates the level of a practice or a game through her presence and intensity.
Lawson noted that Reese plays with aggression and physicality, qualities she called important in FIBA play since the international game allows more contact than the WNBA.
Lawson said players need to embrace that physical style, and that Reese is one who does.
FIBA Basketball is known for allowing more physicality than the WNBA, with referees generally permitting a higher level of contact during games.
Reese is among several Team USA forwards with a naturally physical playing style, and the article notes she engages in physical and verbal displays of aggression on the court.
Team USA opens its 2026 FIBA World Cup campaign against China on Friday.
China's roster will be missing Dallas Wings center Li Yueru, who was unable to compete because she did not receive her passport in time.
However, China still has two tall centers available; New York Liberty Center Han Xu, who stands six foot eight, and nineteen-year-old Zhang Ziyu, who is listed at seven foot four.
Both players are taller than anyone on Team USA's roster.
Reese will be among the Team USA players tasked with guarding China's two centers.
She has experience guarding taller opponents in a format where FIBA rules allow more physicality than the WNBA.
According to the article, Reese is the top rebounder on Team USA's roster and arguably among the best rebounders in all of women's basketball.
That means she will be contesting China's two centers for rebounds throughout the game.
The article states her rebounding and aggression are expected to factor into her role on Friday and throughout the tournament.
It is not yet known how many points Reese will score for Team USA, but scoring is not described as her primary role.
Cara Lawson's comments reflect that Reese's rebounding, aggression, and physicality are expected to be central to Team USA's FIBA World Cup run.
