The battle for the 2024 WNBA Freshman of the Year title looks set to be between Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. While there is a crop of gifted newcomers this season, these two athletes appear to be the frontrunners. The competition is expected to intensify once the league resumes in mid-August following the Olympic pause.
Discussions around the Freshman of the Year award have sparked lively debates, with Fox Sports pundit Nick Wright making a case for Caitlin Clark ahead of Angel Reese in the race. During a recent episode of ‘The Wright Take with Nick Wright,’ he argued why he believes Clark is currently leading.
“Yesterday Shaq made a claim that Angel is the standout rookie, but I disagree. The situation could change after the Olympics, but at present, it’s quite evident that if there was a vote today, the top two positions should be unanimous,” Wright expressed. “While no one should rank Angel below the second spot, a compelling basketball-based argument cannot be made against Caitlin Clark’s dominance so far.”
Both contenders have been posting almost double-double performances this season, with Reese excelling in points and rebounds, and Clark in points and assists. Reese recently broke the WNBA’s record for consecutive double-doubles in scoring and rebounding, while Clark achieved the highest number of assists in a single game.
Sky Mounting a Strong Comeback for Postseason Qualification with Angel Reese at the Helm
In the end, Angel Reese might not emerge as the Freshman of the Year ahead of Caitlin Clark, even though the competition remains neck and neck, but the impact Reese has made on the Sky this season is undeniable.
Though the Sky’s win-loss ratio may not be favorable midway through the regular season, Reese has injected enthusiasm into the fan base and revitalized the team in a remarkable manner. This is in addition to her significant performance on the court.
While Reese is still refining her offensive skills, she brings an unmatched level of tenacity, physicality, and infectious energy to the game whenever she steps onto the court. She possesses a natural talent for grabbing rebounds, with no intention of merely focusing on bolstering her statistics.
Having appeared in all 24 games for the Sky thus far, Reese has been averaging 13.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 40.2% from the field and 76% from the free-throw line. The Sky currently holds a 10-14 record, placing them in eighth position in the WNBA standings.
Image Source: Nick Wright @ X
