Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has ascended to the top spot in this week’s WNBA Rookie Rankings, standing out in matchups against other top rookies. Joining Clark in the rankings is her former Iowa teammate, Kate Martin, who has broken into the top five as a guard for the Las Vegas Aces.
Despite areas for growth, Clark has demonstrated enough skill during the Fever’s challenging schedule to narrowly claim the No. 1 spot over Sparks forward Cameron Brink. Both Clark and Brink showcased their talents in a recent competitive game in Los Angeles, where the Fever secured their first victory of the season with a 78-73 win. This game also highlighted a strong performance from Rickea Jackson, another Sparks rookie who remains in the top five.
Looking ahead, a highly anticipated matchup will take place this Saturday when the Fever host the Chicago Sky. Angel Reese, one of the most impactful rookies so far, will soon be joined by former South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso, who is set to make her season debut on June 1.
1. Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
- Stats: 15.4 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.4 RPG
- Clark’s recent games have been a mixed bag, shooting just 6-of-22 from the field with eight turnovers over the last two matches. However, her ability to contribute in various ways has solidified her top spot. Nearly achieving her first WNBA triple-double, Clark recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in the win over the Sparks, adding four steals and a block in 37 minutes. Despite a quieter game against the Aces, her impact remains significant.
Caitlin Clark with the exclamation point on the big-time dub ‼️ pic.twitter.com/BljwZw8bXT
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 25, 2024
2. Cameron Brink, Los Angeles Sparks
- Stats: 10.8 PPG, 3.2 BPG, 5.8 RPG
- Brink, a defensive powerhouse, leads the league with 3.2 blocks per game. She also proved her offensive capabilities with 15 points against the Fever and 21 points against the Wings. However, foul trouble remains a challenge, as she averages 4.4 personal fouls per game.
A career night for the rook 👏
Despite the loss, Cameron Brink went off for a career-high 21 PTS (7-12 FG), 3 3PM! She also recorded 2 REB, 3 AST, & 3 BLK. #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/Db3sQRjNtB
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 27, 2024
3. Angel Reese, Chicago Sky
- Stats: 12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG
- Consistent with double-figure scoring and leading the league in offensive rebounds, Reese has been a standout. Despite shooting struggles, her resilience and physical play have made her a key player for the Sky. A recent altercation with Alyssa Thomas showcased her toughness and refusal to be intimidated.
4. Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks
- Stats: 9.8 PPG, 54.5% FG, 2.4 RPG
- Although not yet a starter, Jackson has proven her worth off the bench with efficient scoring and solid defense. Her versatility and ability to play multiple positions make her a valuable asset for the Sparks.
Just TOOOO smooth with it 🤌
Rickea Jackson drives thru the lane with ease for her first FG of the night!
📺 League Pass pic.twitter.com/dtBeBdTy7T
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 27, 2024
5. Kate Martin, Las Vegas Aces
- Stats: 5.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
- Martin, a former Iowa guard, has quickly adapted to a significant role with the defending champions. Her understanding of the game and ability to make the right plays have earned her substantial minutes off the bench. A standout performance against the Fever, including 12 points and 7 rebounds, highlights her potential.
🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️ https://t.co/QtAK56L6pJ pic.twitter.com/Bcdo6nqWr7
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 26, 2024
This season’s rookie class continues to impress, with each player bringing unique skills and making significant impacts on their respective teams. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these young stars develop and shape the future of the WNBA.
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