Angel Reese, the WNBA star known for her rebounding prowess, has filed a trademark for the term ‘mebounds,’ which originated from critics mocking her for grabbing rebounds off her own missed shots. The term, popularized by a viral TikTok video, has been embraced by Reese as a way to turn criticism into a positive, even as she continues to excel in the league.
Reese, who has set the single-season rebounding record in the WNBA, has been a target of critics for her tendency to grab offensive rebounds, which are often a result of her own missed shots. While some have questioned whether these rebounds are entirely her own, Reese has turned the scrutiny into a branding opportunity. She has filed a trademark application for the term, which would be used for merchandise like hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts.
In a recent TikTok video, Reese humorously addressed the controversy, saying, ‘Whoever came up with the ‘mebounds’ thing, y’all ate that up. Because ‘mebounds,’ rebounds, crebounds… anything that comes off that board, it’s mine.’ She also acknowledged the humor behind the term, adding, ‘And a brand? That’s six figures right there. The trolling, I love when y’all do it because, like, the ideas be good.’
Despite the attention, Reese continues to perform at an elite level. She leads the WNBA in rebounds per game, with 11.9 on average. Over 4.8 of these are offensive rebounds, which is also a league-high. She is shooting 35.7% from the floor in 10 games played this season and ranks third in defensive rebounds per game with 7.1.
Reese recently recorded her first triple-double, scoring 11 points, grabbing 13 boards, and handing out 11 assists. Her performance has not gone unnoticed, as her Chicago Sky team currently holds a 3-7 record, the third-worst in the league. However, Reese’s individual success highlights her impact on the game.
The term ‘mebounds’ has become a symbol of her unique presence in the league, blending her on-court abilities with her ability to engage with fans and critics alike. By filing a trademark for the term, Reese is not only securing her legacy but also turning a potential negative into a positive, showcasing her resilience and creativity in the public eye.