It shouldn’t have come as any sort of surprise given their illustrious college careers, but Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have acclimated to the WNBA with ease. It might have taken a few games for them to get the speed and physicality of the pros figured out, but the two made the WNBA All-Star Game and want more in the second half of the season.
There are still a lot of incredible players in the league that are ahead of them in terms of stats and technical ability, but they’re both catching up very quickly. Clark leads the league in assists, while Reese is second in rebounds. Despite their impressive start, they are still not considered among the top 14 players in the league, at least according to one national media outlet.
A’ja Wilson comes in first on ESPN’s list
ESPN dropped a “Top 25 WNBA players at midseason“, with Clark coming in at No. 15 and Reese at No. 19.
They had this to say for Clark: “We didn’t include rookies in our preseason ranking of the top 25 WNBA players. Now everyone has seen the 2024 draft class enough to know Clark is an easy pick for this list.“
And this to say about Reese: “After dropping to the No. 7 pick in the WNBA draft, Reese spent the first half of her rookie campaign making the teams that passed on her — and even some that didn’t — pay.“
To be fair, it’s tough to argue given how talented the players in front of Clark and Reese are.
Jewell Loyd and Arike Ogunbowale, who are just ahead of Clark, are averaging a good amount more points than the rookie. Forwards like Ezi Magbegor and Dearica Hamby are doing similar things to Reese yet contributing in other ways as well.
It’s only a matter of time before Clark and Reese catch them and the others if they keep it up, though.
As women’s basketball continues to gain momentum, two names stand out as the sport’s brightest stars: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. These young athletes have captivated fans with their exceptional talent and have set the stage for what promises to be illustrious careers in the WNBA.
Caitlin Clark: A Shooting Phenomenon
Caitlin Clark’s journey to stardom began in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she was a high school sensation. Her exceptional shooting ability, particularly from long range, earned her a reputation as one of the best young players in the country. Clark’s prowess on the court quickly translated to the collegiate level when she joined the University of Iowa.
At Iowa, Clark made an immediate impact. She led the nation in scoring as a sophomore, averaging over 27 points per game, and became known for her ability to take over games with her scoring, passing, and leadership. Her performances earned her numerous accolades, including the Big Ten Player of the Year award and multiple All-American honors.
Angel Reese: A Dominant Force in the Paint
Angel Reese’s rise to prominence followed a different path, but one that was equally impressive. Reese first gained national attention during her high school career, where she was recognized as one of the top players in the country. Known for her physicality, versatility, and defensive skills, Reese was a highly sought-after recruit.
Reese began her collegiate career at the University of Maryland, where she quickly established herself as a dominant force in the paint. After transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU), Reese continued to excel, becoming one of the SEC’s most feared players. She led the team in rebounds and developed into a powerful scorer, earning All-SEC honors and solidifying her status as one of the top prospects in the country.
In 2024, Reese entered the WNBA Draft and was selected by the Chicago Sky. While her rookie season was interrupted by the Olympic break, Reese showed flashes of brilliance on the court. Her ability to control the boards and contribute offensively made her a key player for the Sky, and she is expected to be a cornerstone of the franchise moving forward.
A Rivalry That Defines a Generation
As Clark and Reese continue to develop their careers, their paths have often crossed, creating one of the most intriguing rivalries in women’s basketball. Clark’s sharpshooting and scoring abilities contrast with Reese’s physical dominance and defensive prowess, making their matchups must-watch events.
This rivalry has not only drawn significant media attention but has also helped to elevate the profile of women’s basketball. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how these two young stars will shape the future of the sport, both individually and as rivals.
Looking Ahead
Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are expected to be central figures in the WNBA for years to come. As they continue to grow and develop, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the league and inspire the next generation of players. Their careers are just beginning, but they have already set a high standard for what it means to be a star in women’s basketball.
As the 2024 WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Clark and Reese as they continue to make their mark on the sport and solidify their legacies as two of the game’s greatest young talents.
