Shaquille O’Neal recently stirred up discussions in the basketball world with his endorsement of Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese as the best candidate to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, ahead of Indiana Fever ‘s Caitlin Clark. The NBA legend’s statement has sparked excitement, as both players have demonstrated exceptional talent and are widely considered to be the future of women’s basketball. However, Shaq’s vocal support for Reese has added extra momentum to her Rookie of the Year campaign.
Angel Reese’s incredible performance during her college career at Sky cemented her reputation as one of the top prospects for the WNBA. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has made her stand out. Reese led LSU to a national championship in 2023, where she was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. With averages of 23 points and 15 rebounds per game during her final season at LSU, Reese proved that she is a force to be reckoned with.
O’Neal’s endorsement of Reese comes as no surprise, considering her dominance in the paint and her rebounding prowess, which are reminiscent of Shaq’s own style of play during his career. O’Neal, being an LSU alumnus, is undoubtedly proud of Reese’s contributions to the program and believes her skill set will translate well into the WNBA. He has praised her relentless work ethic, her leadership qualities, and her hunger to win, all key attributes that make her a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, has also made a compelling case for the Rookie of the Year title. Known for her incredible shooting ability and court vision, Clark was one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball during her time at Iowa. Clark’s scoring ability is unmatched, as she consistently posted 30-point games and even made history with her record-breaking three-pointers. Her offensive prowess makes her a serious contender for the award as well.
While both players have their unique strengths, Shaquille O’Neal’s endorsement of Angel Reese adds a level of credibility to her candidacy. His belief in her potential, combined with her impressive collegiate resume, puts her in the spotlight as the leading candidate. The WNBA Rookie of the Year race will certainly be one to watch, but Shaq has made it clear that in his eyes, Angel Reese is the best player to take home the honor.
