A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark had remarkable seasons that shattered WNBA records.
Wilson made history by scoring over 1,000 points in a single season and averaging a league-record 26.9 points. On the other hand, Clark broke the league’s single-season assist record and also set a new scoring record for rookies.
Unsurprisingly, both players were unanimously chosen for the AP Player and Rookie of the Year awards by a panel of 15 media members.
Wilson expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It means a lot. The preparation, the approach I took this season.”
Earlier in the day, Wilson was named the league’s MVP, earning another unanimous selection. The WNBA will gradually reveal the remaining awards throughout the postseason, which commenced on Sunday.
Wilson concluded the regular season with impressive stats, including 1,021 points, 451 rebounds, and a league-leading 98 blocks. Last season, she came in third in the WNBA MVP voting, an experience that motivated her to work even harder in the offseason.
Clark, on the other hand, lived up to the high expectations surrounding her rookie season, leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs for the first time in years. She broke the WNBA single-season assist record with 337 assists and also set a rookie scoring record with an average of 19.2 points.
Off the court, Clark contributed to the WNBA’s record ratings and attendance.
Among other notable achievements, Tiffany Hayes, Wilson’s teammate, was named AP Sixth Woman of the Year.
Additionally, Wilson and Clark were featured on the AP All-WNBA first team alongside other stellar players. The second team included Sabrina Ionescu, Kahleah Copper, Nneka Ogwumike, Kayla McBride, and Arike Ogunbowale.
Other AP award winners included:
— Coach of the Year: Cheryl Reeve
— Comeback Player of the Year: Skylar Diggins-Smith
— Most Improved Player: Dearica Hamby
— Defensive Player: Napheesa Collier
The AP WNBA Power Poll ranked Minnesota as the top team, followed by New York, Las Vegas, and Connecticut. Seattle, Indiana, Atlanta, and Phoenix rounded out the top half of the poll.
