Angel Reese, not Caitlin Clark, currently leads the WNBA Rookie of the Year race, according to legendary South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
In a recent interview, Staley was asked to choose between the two standout rookies and made it clear that, in her opinion, Reese has the edge.
“So you gonna try to put me in a controversy, right?” Staley jokingly replied when asked about the two. “They both are having great years. Don’t get me wrong. If I had to pick a rookie of the year at this time, it’s Angel. Not a doubt. What she’s been able to do with the double-doubles. But listen, the season is halfway through and Caitlin is coming … I’ll say this, whatever team makes the playoffs, that’s our rookie of the year.”
Currently, Clark’s Indiana Fever and Reese’s Chicago Sky occupy the final two playoff spots in the WNBA, adding another layer of competition to the race.
Both Clark and Reese have incredibly strong arguments for the award, consistently breaking rookie records and setting new standards. However, Staley’s choice aligns with the latest ESPN ranking, which also has Reese slightly ahead of Clark.
“For the most part, Reese has been a stat-stuffing dynamo in her debut campaign. She is a close second (behind Clark) in points per 100 possessions among rookies, leads by a mile in rebound rate, and has been the best active defensive rookie following Brink’s injury,” ESPN’s Neil Paine writes. “Aside from teammate Lindsay Allen, no member of the Sky has been associated with more of an uptick in the team’s performance while on the court than Reese, who has overseen a 16.6-point improvement in Chicago’s net rating when she’s in the game.”
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Reese’s ability to consistently deliver double-doubles and her significant impact on the court have made her a standout in her debut season. On the other hand, Clark has also been impressive, contributing heavily to her team’s performance and pushing the limits of what rookies are expected to achieve.
The debate over who deserves the Rookie of the Year award is heating up as both players continue to perform at high levels. The competition is not only a testament to their individual talents but also to the bright future of the WNBA.
If the season continues as it has, the decision may ultimately come down to which player’s team makes the playoffs, adding even more excitement to the final stretch of the season. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see how this rookie race will unfold, and if the award ends up being split, it could stir significant controversy and discussion.
Reese and Clark have not only lived up to their pre-season expectations but have exceeded them, proving that the future of women’s basketball is in very capable hands.
