Despite Angel Reese’s praise for Hailey Van Lith’s work ethic and potential, WNBA icon Angel McCoughtry is challenging whether the young star’s social media fame is overshadowing her talent. With critics questioning her spot in the league, what does the future hold for Van Lith? Get the full scoop on this intense debate shaking up the WNBA! 👇👇

Hailey Van Lith Faces Criticism from WNBA Legend After Angel Reese Expresses Support

Hailey Van Lith, a rookie for the Chicago Sky, has made headlines both for her celebrity status and for the mixed reactions to her performances in the WNBA. After being selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the former third-team All-American from her time at TCU has had an inconsistent start, averaging just 5.2 points in 14.8 minutes per game. While she has her supporters, including teammate Angel Reese, not everyone in the basketball world is convinced she belongs in the league.

Van Lith’s Rise to Fame

Van Lith’s popularity skyrocketed after she transferred to LSU in 2023, following a successful stint at Louisville, where she led the team to consecutive Elite Eights in the NCAA Tournament. This increased fame helped her secure numerous high-profile brand deals and even a photoshoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Her rising celebrity status has led to speculation about whether her social media following played a role in her draft selection, with some questioning if her popularity was as much of a factor as her talent.

Angel Reese’s Support

Despite some questioning her place in the league, Van Lith has earned the support of her teammates, most notably Angel Reese, with whom she played for one year at LSU. Reese recently praised Van Lith’s performance after she achieved a career-high 16 points in a game against the Connecticut Sun. Reese shared her pride with her followers, posting a graphic of Van Lith on her social media with the caption, “Proud of you, rook.”

Reese has been vocal about her belief in Van Lith’s talent, saying, “Hailey works her ass off. You want a dog? Go get a dog.” Reese’s backing reflects a genuine admiration for Van Lith’s work ethic and potential, despite the early criticisms of her WNBA debut.

Angel McCoughtry’s Critique

However, not all players are as enthusiastic. Angel McCoughtry, a five-time WNBA All-Star and former first-overall pick, raised concerns about Van Lith’s place in the league. On the Let Her Shoot podcast, McCoughtry questioned whether Van Lith’s celebrity status played a part in her selection. “Hailey Van Lith, she’s a decent player. Is there players out there [not in the WNBA] who may be better than Hailey Van Lith? I believe so. [But] they’re not popular,” McCoughtry stated.

McCoughtry added a pointed question: “If Hailey Van Lith had 10,000 followers, would she be in the league? Honestly, if we just talk about her true talent – take away the followers – would she be in the league if she had 10,000 followers?” McCoughtry’s comments highlight a growing debate in the WNBA about whether the rise of social media fame is influencing roster decisions in the league.

Van Lith’s Role in Chicago Sky

Despite the criticism, Van Lith has shown resilience and determination to prove her worth in the league. While her playing time was limited earlier in the season, she has since embraced a larger role on the team. In recent games, she has surpassed 20 minutes of play in three consecutive outings, which is a significant improvement from her early struggles.

The Chicago Sky have had a tough season, sitting with a 3-9 record after a disappointing 107-86 loss to the Phoenix Mercury. Van Lith contributed modestly in that game, scoring 4 points in 21 minutes off the bench. Despite the team’s overall slump, Van Lith’s development continues to be a story to watch, with many hoping that she can make a greater impact as the season progresses.

A Challenging Start, But a Promising Future?

Hailey Van Lith’s rookie year in the WNBA has been full of ups and downs, and while her celebrity status may have played a role in her draft pick, her future in the league ultimately depends on her ability to prove herself on the court. Angel Reese’s unwavering support shows that Van Lith has the potential to rise above the criticism and become a key contributor to the Chicago Sky.

With a combination of hard work, talent, and the backing of teammates like Reese, Van Lith still has the opportunity to silence her critics and establish herself as a legitimate force in the league. However, she will need to continue developing her skills and improving her performances to ensure she solidifies her place in the WNBA.