There is still ample time left in the 2024 WNBA season, but Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese has already made a strong case for an early Rookie of the Year nomination, according to USC star JuJu Watkins.
In an interview with GQ Sports shared on TikTok, Watkins expressed her support for Reese, stating, “As of right now, I got Angel. She’s been killing it.”
However, there is still about half a season left for Catlin Clark and other rookies to narrow the gap with Reese.
Reese, known for her WNBA-record 14 consecutive double-doubles, is averaging 14.0 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, and made it to the All-Star Game in her debut season.
Clark, another standout rookie, also participated in the All-Star Game and is seen as Reese’s main rival for the Rookie of the Year award.
With impressive stats of 16.7 points, 7.6 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, Clark is shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc despite facing tough defensive pressure.
The race for Rookie of the Year is set to be captivating, especially given the history between Reese and Clark, who both shone in college at Iowa and LSU.
Meanwhile, Watkins continues to excel at USC and could potentially contend for her own Rookie of the Year accolade if she maintains her stellar performance, coming off an impressive 27.1 points per game average as a freshman with the Trojans last season.
