In a season full of talented rookies, Angel Reese has stood out and is now leading the race for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year prize. Even though oddsmakers initially thought of Reese as an underdog, she has consistently shown her strength and talent, solidifying her status as the best newcomer in the league.
The former LSU player has hit her stride playing in the frontcourt for the Chicago Sky, recording an outstanding streak of eight double-doubles in a row, increasing her season stats to 13.2 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Her exceptional field goal percentage of more than 40% indicates that she is still in the early stages of adapting to playing in the paint.
Reese’s statistics stand out even more when you take into account that only Caitlin Clark scores more points per game with 16.3. Furthermore, she is at the top of the rookie class in terms of rebounding, boasting an impressive average of 11.1 rebounds per game. This means she is on track to have the most impressive rookie rebounding season since Tina Charles’s 11.7 rebounds per game in 2020.
Angel Reese has taken over the WNBA Rookie of the Year race https://t.co/rhbqViUQ5G pic.twitter.com/lq1rLcyOrG
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) June 26, 2024
Reese demonstrates her superiority over her peers in player efficiency rating, boasting an impressive score of 19.3, significantly surpassing Caitlin Clark’s rating of 16.1. This statistical edge underscores Reese’s exceptional efficiency and impact on the court.
It’s important to consider the context that Clark has played three more games than Reese at this juncture in the season, which could potentially influence comparative statistics. Despite this disparity in games played, Reese’s consistently high efficiency rating solidifies her reputation as a standout performer in women’s basketball, highlighting her ability to contribute significantly to her team’s success in every game she competes in.
As the WNBA season reaches its midway point, it seems like Angel Reese has a strong grip on the Rookie of the Year competition. With her remarkable skills and increasing favor among gamblers, it seems unlikely for anyone to surpass her at this point. The focus has shifted from if she will win the award to how much she will dominate the rest of the season.