Angel Reese Responds After NBA 2K Declines Her Request for a 99 Overall Rating

In today’s fast-paced digital age, sports stars are as concerned about their virtual selves as their real-life performances. Recently, the excitement surrounding the unveiling of player ratings in NBA 2K—the world’s most popular basketball video game franchise—reached new heights when Chicago Sky rookie sensation Angel Reese made an eyebrow-raising request. According to multiple social media sources, Reese requested to be rated 99 overall, the highest possible rating in the game, sparking a flurry of reactions from fans, fellow athletes, and the gaming community alike.

When 2K Sports, the developers of NBA 2K, reportedly declined her request, Reese’s reaction was nothing short of fiery, quickly becoming the talk of sports and gaming news feeds everywhere. Here’s what happened, how Angel Reese responded, and what it means in the wider cultural conversation.

Angel Reese: A Rising Star on and off the Court

Angel Reese has rapidly become a household name in basketball. The former LSU standout and NCAA champion made her mark with the Chicago Sky, earning praise for her rebounding prowess, confident demeanor, and competitive edge. Known for her signature style and unapologetic “Bayou Barbie” persona, Reese has brought new energy and swagger to the WNBA.

She’s no stranger to headlines, whether for her on-court heroics or her bold personality. Over the past year, her interactions with social media and willingness to speak her mind have endeared her to millions of young fans. So when the highly anticipated NBA 2K player ratings were about to be revealed, all eyes naturally turned to Reese for her reaction.

The 2K Ratings Controversy

In NBA 2K, a player’s “overall rating” is out of 99, and reaching the top rating is exceedingly rare—reserved for legends and current stars who dominate the court. Think LeBron James, Michael Jordan, or Breanna Stewart. For rookies and young players, even the most promising prospects typically begin their 2K journey rated in the 70s or 80s.

Angel Reese, riding a surge of early career success and social media fandom, stunned many when she took to Twitter and Instagram, half-joking but entirely confident, requesting her debut rating to be a perfect 99. While most fans interpreted her message as both a flex and a bit of fun, some began to speculate whether Reese genuinely felt her game deserved such recognition—even as a rookie.

However, according to sources close to 2K Sports, Reese’s request was met with a polite but firm denial. The game’s rating system is based on advanced analytics, statistics, and player impact, and such a high rating is simply unprecedented for a first-year pro.

Angel Reese’s Reaction

Never one to hold back her opinions, Reese made her feelings known shortly after the news broke. She posted a series of messages on her social platforms, mixing humor with unmistakable frustration. Her tweets included statements like, “Y’all really gone play with me like that? 99 for sure! #RespectTheCrown” and “Guess I gotta drop a 40-piece every night ‘til they get it right 😂💯.”

While some interpreted her posts as playful banter and classic Angel Reese bravado, others sensed an undercurrent of real disappointment. In interviews following the announcement, Reese elaborated: “Of course I think I’m the best. You’ve got to have that confidence to compete at this level, or you won’t survive. Did I really expect a 99? Maybe not yet… but I believe I’ll earn it soon. That’s the goal, and 2K better be ready to update me quick!”

Her competitive spirit and drive have always been at the core of her success. For Reese, a 99 overall rating isn’t just about a number—it’s about respect, visibility, and inspiring the next generation of women’s basketball players to dream big.

Social Media Reactions and Fan Support

Unsurprisingly, the dust-up set off a firestorm of reactions online. Fans came out in droves to support Reese, posting messages with hashtags like #99ForReese and #RespectAngel. Many admired her unwavering self-confidence, noting that such belief is crucial for breaking barriers in women’s sports.

Even NBA and WNBA luminaries chimed in. Chicago Sky teammate Kahleah Copper responded, “That’s the kind of energy we need. Don’t ever let them put a cap on your greatness.” Nets guard Mikal Bridges joked, “2K gotta raise those rookie ratings, Angel out here changing the game.”

Meanwhile, some purists defended 2K’s stance, emphasizing that the game’s ratings should reflect actual on-court performance and stats. Debates filled Reddit threads and YouTube comment sections, weighing the merits of hype versus hard-earned legacy.

A Larger Message About Confidence and Representation

Angel Reese’s insistence on being recognized at the highest level—whether in reality or in pixels—sends a strong message about confidence, aspiration, and the shifting landscape of women’s sports. For generations, female athletes have fought for visibility, equity, and mainstream respect. Reese’s very public reaction, whether tongue-in-cheek or serious, signals a new era in which women athletes demand the same reverence and spotlight as their male counterparts.

By sticking to her guns, Reese not only entertained the masses but also delivered a kind of masterclass in modern athlete branding: Be bold, be yourself, and don’t wait for the world to recognize your worth—put the world on notice yourself.

What’s Next for Reese—and Her 2K Rating?

As the new WNBA season unfolds, Reese’s on-court performances will no doubt be closely watched—not just by fans and analysts, but by the ratings experts at 2K Sports as well. If her early career trajectory is any indication, it won’t be long before her virtual rating climbs right alongside her real-life accomplishments.

For now, Angel Reese is embracing the moment, using it as motivation to silence any remaining doubters the only way she knows how: by dominating on the court and letting her game—and her personality—do the talking. And if her dream of reaching that elusive 99 overall in NBA 2K doesn’t happen today, she’s determined to make it impossible to ignore in the future.

After all, that’s what legends—and legends-in-the-making—are made of.