Julian Reese is making history in Washington, and he’s not doing it alone.
Following an 18-point, 20-rebound performance against the Utah Jazz that marked his first NBA double-double, Julian Reese also known as “Juju” opened up about the support system fueling his early career. At the center of it is his sister, WNBA star Angel Reese, who texts him before and after every game and never misses a moment.
“She texts me before and after every game, watches the games, and tells me what I need to do,” Reese said with a laugh. “Sometimes I have to get her off me and tell her let me do what I do, but it’s great having a sister like that. I love her to death.”
The sibling dynamic is one piece of a broader support system Reese has found in Washington. Fellow Baltimore natives Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore have also played a role in his transition, encouraging him to stay focused on his game since joining the team.
Reese’s 20 rebounds weren’t just a personal milestone, they were historic. It marked the most rebounds recorded by any rookie this season and the most by a Wizards rookie since Tom Gugliotta hauled down 20 on January 29, 1993 in Philadelphia.
For a young player still learning what the NBA requires, Julian Reese credits Washington’s development-focused environment for accelerating his growth at exactly the right time.