ESPN WNBA just released their 2024 rookie player rankings. It is impossible to make a list like this without some controversy. ESPN did exactly that.
The most hyped up player out of college and Indiana Fever’s Number 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark didn’t even crack the top 5 of this list. ESPN says this is a list based strictly on stats, and that is what put Clark at number 6.
The players above Clark starting at number 1 are Cameron Brink, Angel Reese, Kate Martin, Rickea Jackson, and Julie Vanloo. The media loves to stir the pot with rankings like these because people like us can’t get enough of it. Let’s dive into this a little deeper.
Caitlin Clark’s 2024 Rookie Season
Caitlin Clark has had an up-and-down rookie season. Her team the Indiana Fever has been the worst in the WNBA for the last couple of years, so Clark is being thrown right into the fire. Through her first 11 games, she is averaging 15.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 35.7% from the field with 5.4 turnovers per game.
From the games I have watched, teams are being very aggressive with her on the perimeter. There’s been a level of physicality from the opposition that I didn’t see while Clark was playing at Iowa. There’s a chip on the shoulder for anyone going up against her. This could be because Clark is getting touted as the savior of the WNBA and face of the sport even though she is just a rookie.
The WNBA schedule makers also did no favors for Clark and the Fever. For a team that was at the bottom of the league last season, the Fever had about as difficult a schedule as possible to open the season. Their first 4 games were 2 against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty. Both the Sun and Liberty were 2 of the top 3 teams in the WNBA last season. The Fever started 0-4 against these two teams. Since then, they have picked up a couple of wins, but are still trying to find their footing.
ESPN WNBA Ranks Brink and Reese As Top Rookies
ESPN has Cameron Brink as the number 1 rookie so far this season. Brink, the 2nd overall pick out of Stanford, has averaged 8.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Los Angeles Sparks. I was surprised to see Brink being ranked number 1 with these numbers, but her post-defense has been incredible. She has picked up 2.6 blocks a game this year.
After Brink, the former LSU Tigers and number 7 pick Angel Reese is ranked 2nd by ESPN WNBA. Reese has averaged 11.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Chicago Sky. She has led the Sky in rebounds, which has helped propel them into a playoff spot as of now.
Also Read: Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces Preview | June 5, 2024
What To Expect From These Rookies Moving Forward
I expect all of these rookies to settle more into the pro game eventually. Players like Clark, Brink, and Reese have brought a lot of eyeballs to WNBA games, which has been great for the sport. They will keep improving as the year progresses, which is going to make it even more exciting to watch.
Women’s College Basketball to the WNBA has such a quick turnaround. Their offseason is less than 2 months after March Madness. Right now, they are all still in an adjustment period. Just watch their efficiency numbers shoot up towards the end of the season.
About the Author
Cory is an Oregon Duck alumni from the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been playing, watching, and following basketball + baseball his whole life. Follow Cory on X @cory_pappas1 for more breaking stories and game previews.
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