Angel Reese declares for WNBA draft

The intrigue: Reese apparently made the decision even before LSU's loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight earlier this week.

• She told Vogue writer Leah Faye Cooper of her plans in mid-March, saying, "I've done everything I wanted to in college. I've won a national championship, I've gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I've been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I'm ready."
• And let's be clear: In a moment when so many athletes make big announcements via verbose screen-grabs shared on social media, sharing this one with a Vogue profile is verified cool.

Between the lines: Reese leaves behind quite a legacy at LSU, having led the team to its first national championship and filling her resume with titles like Best Breakthrough Athlete at the 2023 ESPYs.

• She also ranks No. 3 among On3's women's rankings and No. 8 overall for her NIL deals, with a $1.8 million valuation.

• When she heads to the WNBA, a lot of the high-dollar resources a program like LSU can afford will fall away.

Yes, but: She tells Vogue she's ready for that.

• I want to start at the bottom again," she told the magazine. "I want to be a rookie again and build myself back up; I want to be knocked down and learn and grow at the next level."

Go deeper: Read the full Vogue profile.