In a move that has ignited debate among fans and players alike, LSU fans have shut down the idea of Angel Reese receiving a statue at the university before other LSU basketball legends. The discussion began after Reese’s remarkable season and her dominant performance on the court, including helping the LSU Tigers win the 2023 NCAA Championship. While Reese’s on-court achievements have earned her widespread recognition, some fans believe she may be jumping the line when it comes to being immortalized in statue form. The controversy has sparked a spirited debate about legacy, timing, and what it truly takes to earn such an honor.

Angel Reese’s Impact at LSU

There’s no denying the impact Angel Reese has had on LSU women’s basketball. Coming off a national championship victory, Reese has cemented her place as one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. Her incredible performances on both ends of the floor, as well as her leadership and resilience, played a pivotal role in LSU’s historic title win.

After transferring from the University of Maryland to LSU, Reese quickly made a name for herself as one of the most exciting players in the country, dominating games with her scoring, rebounding, and tenacity. The NCAA Tournament run saw her emerge as a true star, with many calling her the best player in the nation. She was a key part of LSU’s championship roster, further solidifying her legacy in the college basketball world.

The Statue Controversy: Does Reese Deserve It So Soon?

The idea of building a statue for Angel Reese came up after the Tigers’ triumphant season. Reese’s supporters pointed to her incredible individual and team success, suggesting that she has already accomplished enough to earn her place in LSU history in the form of a statue outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

However, some LSU fans weren’t convinced that Reese should be the first player to receive such an honor. Critics argue that while Reese’s contributions to LSU basketball are undeniable, there are other figures in LSU’s basketball history who arguably deserve the honor more—at least for now.

LSU’s men’s basketball program, which has a long and storied history, has not seen any of its players memorialized with statues outside the arena, and some fans feel it would be inappropriate for Reese to be honored with a statue before some of these legendary figures. Players like Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Jackson, and Pete Maravich, all of whom helped define LSU basketball, have not yet received a statue, despite their monumental contributions to the program.

Reese’s Fans Defend Her Right to Be Honored

On the other hand, Reese’s supporters argue that she has done more than enough to deserve a statue. Her leadership, her performance in the Final Four, and her overall impact on the LSU program cannot be overlooked, they say. Reese was the driving force behind a historic season and should be recognized for her role in putting LSU back at the forefront of women’s basketball.

Many fans point out that Angel Reese’s legacy is already larger than life, and she has brought a level of attention to LSU women’s basketball that the program has not seen before. Her outspoken nature, her ability to elevate her teammates, and her championship-winning performance have made her an icon in the sport. For many, this kind of contribution to LSU basketball is worth honoring sooner rather than later.

One LSU fan tweeted, “If Angel Reese doesn’t deserve a statue, then who does? She led this program to a national title and put LSU on the map in a way that no one has before. She’s earned it!”

Should LSU Focus on More Legends First?

While it’s clear that Angel Reese has had an extraordinary impact, the debate is ultimately about timing and order. LSU fans are split over whether it’s too soon to honor a player who has only just finished one standout season at the school, or whether her remarkable individual performance justifies the immediate recognition.

Some believe that LSU should focus on honoring its male basketball legends first before celebrating any female athletes with statues. Shaquille O’Neal, a former LSU star who went on to become an NBA legend, is still without a statue, as are other men’s basketball icons like Chris Jackson (who later changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf) and Ben Simmons. These men, despite their success at LSU, still don’t have statues, which some fans argue could undermine the historical weight of such an honor if Reese were to receive one so soon.

While the LSU women’s program is certainly deserving of more recognition, especially given its recent successes, many fans feel that Reese’s statue should come later, once she has fully solidified her place in LSU’s basketball history.

Reese’s Legacy: Is It Time for a Statue or More Achievements First?

Despite the controversy, Angel Reese’s legacy at LSU is undeniable. She has brought national attention to LSU women’s basketball, and her performances have set the stage for future success. LSU fans may still be divided over the statue question, but what’s clear is that Reese has already earned her place in the hearts of LSU supporters.

Perhaps the best solution is to wait for a few more seasons to pass—allowing Reese to continue her career and further solidify her place as one of LSU’s greatest athletes—before giving her a statue outside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. This would ensure that her legacy is fully cemented, and the honor would feel even more meaningful in the future.

Moving Forward: Is This a Sign of Respect or Rushed Recognition?

Ultimately, the question of whether Angel Reese deserves a statue now or later comes down to what fans value most: immediate recognition of a transcendent player or honoring the broader history of LSU basketball, which includes legendary figures from both the men’s and women’s teams. For some fans, it’s about waiting for the right time to give Reese the recognition she deserves, while for others, her immediate impact on the program speaks for itself.

Whatever the outcome, the debate over Reese’s statue only highlights the growing recognition of women’s sports and the changing dynamics of college athletics. Whether it happens now or later, Angel Reese’s legacy will be remembered at LSU for years to come—whether or not she has a statue standing outside the arena.