The race for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is extremely close. Both have shown themselves deserving of attention in the first half of the season. But which side has the advantage? Dawn Staley, the women’s basketball coach of South Carolina, has recently expressed her views on this thrilling competition.
During a short discussion with TMZ Sports, Staley mentioned that she would choose Reese, who recently set the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles. The Chicago Sky’s forward achieved 15 consecutive double-double performances, surpassing Candace Parker’s previous record of 12. “So you’re attempting to involve me in a dispute, correct?” Staley humorously replied when questioned about her opinion on Rookie of the Year. “They’re both having amazing years, no doubt about it. However, if I had to choose a Rookie of the Year right now, it would be Angel. No uncertainty. The way she has performed with the double-doubles.
“Hey, just so you know, we’re halfway through the season and Caitlin is on her way.” Caitlin will arrive. If I had to choose at this moment, I would go with Angel. However, throughout the duration of the season? Let me put it this way, whichever team reaches the playoffs, that player is our Rookie of the Year.
Staley, a respected figure in women’s basketball, is a former six-time WNBA All-Star and three-time NCAA national champion. Although she sees Reese as the current leader, she also considers Clark a deserving candidate for the Rookie of the Year award.
South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley Names Her Current WNBA Rookie of the Year – Sports Illustrated https://t.co/duKaPjK7Uu via @GoogleNews
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Reese is currently scoring an average of 13.5 points and leading the league with 12.0 rebounds per game for this season. Being chosen as the 7th pick by the Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft seems like an increasingly good deal as the season goes on.
Clark made history as the first newcomer in the league to achieve a triple-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds while also dishing out 13 assists in Indiana Fever’s 83-78 win against New York Liberty on July 6. In each game, she typically scores 16.8 points, makes 7.8 assists, and grabs 5.9 rebounds on average.
Clark was chosen by the Fever as the top overall pick in the draft.
Undoubtedly, Reese and Clark have been outstanding during the first half of the WNBA season. Clark received the Rookie of the Month award in May from the league. Reese was awarded in June. Both of them were picked to be part of the WNBA All-Star team.
Staley is correct, there is still a large amount of basketball yet to be played. It will be an exciting competition to see which new star player wins the accolades by the end of the season.
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are two up-and-coming young talents who are quickly gaining recognition as the next big stars in their respective fields.
The competition between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has been one of the most thrilling plots of the 2024 WNBA season. Their displays have impressed both fans and analysts, creating an exciting competition for the Rookie of the Year award. Here, we explore further into their experiences and what sets them apart as players.
Angel Reese: Control in the Post
Angel Reese, renowned for her strong skills in grabbing rebounds, has been dominant in the key. Consistently securing double-doubles has not only set records but also greatly contributed to the Chicago Sky’s success this season. Reese’s path to the WNBA started with an impressive college tenure at LSU, where she excelled on offense and defense.
Reese’s influence extends further than mere numbers. Her performance and impact on the court have established her as a crucial player for the Sky. Her impressive skills in rebounding, along with her talent for scoring, make her a strong competitor. Both coaches and teammates commend her strong work ethic and determination, which have certainly played a role in her fast advancement in the league.
Caitlin Clark is known for her versatility and ability to make plays on the court.
Caitlin Clark has been just as impressive, displaying both her versatility and playmaking skills. Her impressive triple-double as a rookie showcases her versatility on the court. Clark’s unique talent stems from her scoring, distributing, and rebounding abilities. Chosen as the top pick by the Indiana Fever, Clark came to the league with high hopes and has lived up to them.
Clark’s path to the WNBA was highlighted by an impressive run at the University of Iowa, where she gained recognition for her scoring abilities and leadership qualities. Her move to the professional stage has been smooth, showcasing her versatility in influencing the game. Clark’s exceptional court awareness and high basketball intelligence are frequently praised as her distinguishing characteristics, separating her from fellow players.
The viewpoint of the coaches
Dawn Staley’s perspective on the competition for Rookie of the Year offers important background. Staley’s insight as a coach stems from her experience as a former player, showing her thorough knowledge of the game. Her support for Reese shows a lot about the potential and current effect of the young player. Nonetheless, Staley recognizing Clark’s skills and the continued progress of the season highlights the flexibility of this competition.