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Dawn Staley names clear frontrunner in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Rookie of the Year race: 'Not a doubt'
Angel Reese is out in front in the race for WNBA Rookie of the Year despite Caitlin Clark's early success with the Indiana Fever.
That's the verdict of South Carolina's March Madness-winning coach Dawn Staley, who has no doubts that the Chicago Sky forward would receive the award if it was decided now.
Reese and Clark are both enjoying sensational rookie seasons in Chicago and Indiana respectively, with the former's average of 11.8 rebounds per game the highest in the league.
Her arch-rival over at the Fever, meanwhile, leads the rookies when it comes to points per game (16.8) and has set numerous records already; such as becoming the first rookie ever to record 400 points, 150 assists and 100 rebounds.
However, when quizzed on who she would name Rookie of the Year right now, Staley named Reese as a clear winner.
Angel Reese (right) should be named Rookie of the Year ahead of Caitlin Clark (left), says South Carolina coach Dawn Staley
Staley says there is 'not a doubt' that Reese has been the best rookie in the WNBA this season
'They both are having great years, don’t get me wrong,' the 54-year-old told TMZ Sports.
'If I had to pick a Rookie of the Year at this time, today... it’s Angel. Not a doubt. [Because of] what she’s been able to do with the double-doubles.'
Opinion is divided on who is leading the Rookie of the Year race two months into the regular season, with others adamant that Clark's strong form with the Fever makes her the favorite.
Conservative sports commentator Jason Whitlock feels the former Iowa college star is most likely to come out on top, saying about her high number of turnovers on X: '[Michael] Jordan wasn't defended the way Clark has been. Plus, she's a risk-taker/gambler because she's so much more skilled than 97% of the players.'
On Friday, Clark broke the Fever's franchise record of most assists in a quarter (7) with nine in Indiana's 96-85 upset over the Phoenix Mercury.
Reese and Clark are both enjoying sensational seasons in Chicago and Indiana respectively
Meanwhile, according to a national panel of voters who rank The Associated Press' Power Poll each week, Clark leads Reese in the race for ROTY honors at the midpoint of the season.
Clark and Reese have garnered national attention with record-setting rookie seasons - leading to them being the first rookie duo to make an All-Star team since 2014 - so it's no surprise that they're the leading candidates for the award.
The pair have helped the league to huge increases in ratings, attendance and merchandise sales and with so much basketball still to be played an argument can be made for either to win the award.