Toronto Raptors Sign Julian Reese, Angel’s Brother Gets His Shot in the NBA in 2025
It’s a familiar story, one whispered in gyms and on blacktops across the country. The Toronto Raptors made the call. A kid with a dream, a ball in his hands, and a fire in his belly. For every LeBron James or Steph Curry who becomes a household name, there are thousands of others grinding in the shadows, waiting for their shot. Julian Reese is one of those grinders. And now, his shot is coming north of the border.
The Toronto Raptors have signed the former Maryland standout to an Exhibit 10 contract, a move that flew under the radar for many but carries the weight of a lifelong pursuit. For Reese, this isn’t just another stop on the basketball map; it’s a validation, a chance to prove he belongs on the biggest stage.
This moment is about more than just a contract. It’s the culmination of years spent in his sister’s formidable shadow. When your older sibling is Angel Reese—the “Bayou Barbie,” an NCAA champion, a WNBA star who shatters records and grabs headlines with equal ferocity—it’s easy to get lost in the eclipse. But Julian never let it dim his own light. Instead, he carved his own path, building a reputation as a relentless force in the paint, a player whose grit is his calling card.
A Family That Breathes Basketball
You can’t talk about Julian without talking about the Reese family. Basketball isn’t just a sport for them; it’s the family business. It’s in their blood, a shared language spoken through crossover dribbles and no-look passes. While Angel was becoming a cultural phenomenon at LSU and then with the Chicago Sky, Julian was busy making a name for himself at Maryland.
His pride was palpable when the news broke. Angel, never one to hold back her feelings, immediately took to social media to champion her “baby brother.”
“Congrats to my baby brother! love you!” she posted on X, a simple message brimming with years of shared driveway battles and mutual support. It was a proud sister’s roar, a public acknowledgment of a private journey she has witnessed firsthand. The bond between them is a powerful one, forged in competition and strengthened by a unique understanding of the pressures that come with elite-level sports.
The Journey from Maryland to the Toronto Raptors
Julian Reese isn’t a flashy player, and you won’t see him on many highlight reels pulling up from 30 feet. That’s not his game. He’s a throwback, a 6’9” forward who does the dirty work that wins games, which the Toronto Raptors love the idea of. At Maryland, he was the heart and soul of the Terrapins, a three-year starter who embodied toughness. He spent his college career battling in the trenches, averaging an impressive 13.3 points and 9.0 rebounds last season. He left the program as one of its most decorated big men, ranking second in career rebounds and twentieth in career points.
His journey to the Toronto Raptors wasn’t a straight line. After going undrafted, he clawed his way into a Summer League spot with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a fleeting chance, but it was a chance nonetheless. He didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he showed flashes of the tenacity that got him there.
Now, with the Exhibit 10 deal, his path is clearer. The contract is a strategic move by the Toronto Raptors, giving them a low-risk opportunity to see what Reese can become. He will almost certainly begin his professional career with the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate. It’s the perfect proving ground.
The G League is a crucible, a place where dreams are either realized or deferred. It’s where players are tested, where they must show they have the hunger and the resilience to take the next step. For Reese, it’s a chance to refine his game, to add new dimensions to his offensive arsenal, and to show the Toronto Raptors front office that he’s more than just a college star or Angel Reese’s brother.
What Julian Reese Brings to the Court
So, what can Toronto Raptors fans expect? They can expect a player who will outwork everyone. Reese is a monster on the glass, a player who attacks rebounds with a ferocity that can change the momentum of a game. His motor is relentless, and he brings a physical presence that the Toronto Raptors have often sought.
While he didn’t attempt a single three-pointer in his final three years at Maryland, his efficiency around the rim is undeniable. He shoots a high percentage and knows how to use his body to create space. He’s a smart defender, a vocal leader, and a player who understands his role. In a league that has fallen in love with stretching the floor, Reese’s old-school game is a refreshing and valuable commodity.
The road ahead is anything but guaranteed. An Exhibit 10 contract is an invitation, not a promise. But for a player like Julian Reese, who has spent his entire life fighting for recognition, that’s all he needs. He now has a jersey, a locker, and an opportunity. In the world of professional basketball, that’s everything. The ball is in his court, and the city of the Toronto Raptors is waiting to see what he does with it.
