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Under-The-Radar Rookies to Keep an Eye On For the Rest of the Season » Winsidr

Under-The-Radar Rookies to Keep an Eye On For the Rest of the Season » Winsidr
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Under-The-Radar Rookies to Keep an Eye On For the Rest of the Season » Winsidr

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We’re at the halfway point of the WNBA season, with All-Star weekend in the books and the Olympics fast approaching, and it is safe to say one thing: this 2024 rookie class has been fun to watch. This class has set unprecedented records on and off the court. In came some of the best stars from college, which resulted in the most watched WNBA draft, an explosion in WNBA All-Star voting numbers and numerous viewership records. There is a continued buzz on social media every night around incredible performances from rookies and vets alike. 

Through the first half of the season, the Rookie of the Year race has seemingly come down to two players, maybe you’ve heard of them? The Fever’s Caitlin Clark and the Sky’s Angel Reese have already put together record breaking seasons, not just for rookies. Clark became the first WNBA rookie in history to post a triple-double and the first player in either the NBA and WNBA to record 29 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, five three-pointers, five steals and three blocks in a game. Reese’s name is already etched in the history books with 15 consecutive double-doubles, a WNBA record. Both players were also selected to the 2024 All-Star team, with Clark first in fan votes and Reese fifth, and competed together against Team USA in Phoenix during WNBA All-Star weekend. 

While Clark and Reese have dominated the discourse around rookies, deservedly so, many other rookies have flown under the radar. They have had quiet but impressive starts to the season and their WNBA careers. Regardless of the Rookie of the Year race results and where each team ranks at the end of the season, one thing is certain: this rookie class is filled with the next generation of budding stars in this league. Here are some of the most underrated rookies to keep an eye on as the season progresses who can and likely will continue to have a major impact on their respective teams:

 

Rickea Jackson – Los Angeles Sparks

When Jackson was drafted fourth overall out of Tennessee, many called her one of the most pro- ready players ahead of the draft. While at Tennessee, Jackson averaged over 20 points per game in her final season, showcasing her ability to get to the rim and shine in the mid-range game. Jackson began her rookie campaign on the bench, but soon got the starting nod due to her productivity on the court and has started the last 19 games. When fellow rookie teammate and second-overall pick Cameron Brink went down with a season-ending ACL injury on Jun 18, Jackson has since stepped up and made the most of her extended minutes. Since then, it is evident that Jackson and Sparks’ coach Curt Miller have continued to gain confidence in her game and versatility. 

Jackson is shooting at a high level, going 45.8 percent from the field and 32.7 percent on three-point attempts. She scored a career-high 23 points in a win against the Wings on July 13. In her last five games, Jackson is averaging 15.4 points per game in 32.3 minutes, compared to 10 per game points in 23.2 minutes in June.

“She’s really learning the pro schemes and has come a long way,” Miller said “From where she is today compared to training camp when her eyes just looked wide open, not knowing exactly what we were always talking about. I’m just really pleased with her growth in her rookie season.”

While the Sparks are towards the bottom of the standings, still figuring out their young and developing squad, Jackson is a bright spot for the future, having reached double figures in 13 of her first 23 games. Jackson understands how to get open on offense, and read the defensive assignments, often posting up players smaller than her and driving on bigger players who aren’t as fast. Jackson can continue to work on her defense and rebounding, but has continued to hone in on her desire to grow in those areas. 

“I want to be better on the defensive end,” Jackson said. “I really wanna get after it. I want to be one of the lockdown defenders. Just continue to work on that daily.”

 

Aaliyah Edwards – Washington Mystics 

When a player comes out of UConn, it is typically expected that they’ll be WNBA ready. That was the hope when Edwards was drafted sixth overall by the Mystics. This Mystics’ team wasn’t expected to compete at the top of the standings after losing Natasha Cloud to Phoenix and Elena Delle Donne when she opted to sit out this season. But Washington was hoping a player like Edwards could become part of their future. 

While Edwards wasn’t a part of the starting lineup to begin the season, she quickly got the starting call much sooner than expected, in part due to injuries to Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austin, but also due to her instant impact on the court. 

Edwards has missed three games this season to a back injury but has averaged 8.8 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. She scored a career-high 23 points and four blocks while grabbing 14 boards against Chicago on June 6. She has shown poise going up against some of the best bigs in the league including Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Edwards is also arguably one of the best defenders in this rookie class, with her ability to move her feet and defend multiple positions. She can contest shots and run in transition.

When Edwards faced Wilson and the Aces for the first time on June 29, she said, “I got my buckets on [Wilson]… I love that matchup, she’s such a dominant player; longer, taller, stronger than me so it was a challenge. I like challenges.”

If you’re a Mystics fan, you love that confidence for a rookie. 

While Washington has had a rough season, Edwards has proven that she can become a pivotal part of the team’s future. The Mystics might even get her help with another high draft pick next season. We are seeing in real time how her game at UConn is translating to the league with her ability to post up and also hit mid range shots. Even better, we’ll get to see her play for Team Canada in the Paris Olympics.

 

Kate Martin – Las Vegas Aces

Martin has been one of the best stories in the league this season, which all started on Draft night when she was hand picked out of the crowd and taken 19th overall by the Aces. Martin had a stellar career at Iowa while teammates with Clark, averaging 13.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, willing to do whatever was needed to help her team get the win. 

Leading up to the season, there was a lot of discussion around how Martin would fit on the two-time defending champions and even questions about whether she would make the team with the amount of talent they have. But Martin excelled in training camp and has done all the little things right to become a part of the Aces’ bench rotation. 

Martin has averaged 14.8 minutes per game and shoots 38.3 percent from three, and while she only attempts 3.3 field goals per game, her impact is noticeable in other ways on the floor, with her passing, defense and energy each possession. She exemplifies the grit and confidence needed to make a WNBA roster and Martin has found a home with the Aces, mentored by some of the best players in the league. She also has the chance to be a part of history as the Aces aim for their third consecutive championship.

 

Leonie Fiebich – New York Liberty 

Fiebich is no stranger to big moments as a member of the German national team and a leader of the Casademont Zaragoza team in the Spanish league. But coming to a New York team with an already solidified starting five and looking to get back to the WNBA finals, it took some time for Fiebich to find her role. She averaged just 10.2 minutes in May and did not play more than 20 minutes in a game until June. She has since become one of New York’s most reliable role players, even earning consecutive starts against the Connecticut Sun and Sky. Against the Sky on July 11, Fiebich’s +27 tied the Liberty’s franchise record for highest single-game plus-minus by a rookie. She became the first 2024 rookie to record a plus-minus of +20 or better in a game this season. 

“The more minutes I spend on the court with my teammates, it gets easier and easier,” Fiebech said after scoring a season high 13 points against the Sky on July 13. 

Fiebich has a smooth three-point shot but much of her impact doesn’t even come from scoring. 

On the defensive end, she uses her long 6’4’’ frame to her advantage and can defend both guards and forwards. She has gained even more trust from head coach Sandy Brondello throughout the season, replacing veteran Courtney Vandersloot in closing minutes in many of their recent games. 

Fiebich has been a key piece of their bench, and she has been an important piece of the Liberty’s (19-4) record, their best start in franchise history.

 

Kamilla Cardoso – Chicago Sky

Cardoso took some time to get acclimated to the Sky, missing the first six games of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered in preseason, but she is beginning to figure the league out. Cardoso, drafted third overall by the Sky, was a two-time NCAA champion with South Carolina. 

While her offensive game is still developing in a league where bigs have had to acclimate, her defensive presence is a force. Being 6’7’’ also doesn’t hurt. 

Cardoso and her teammate Reese made history on July 10 against the Dream, as both recorded a double-double, which became the most joint double-doubles by a rookie duo in WNBA history. 

Cardoso spaces the floor well and is continuing to develop her offensive game. She has excelled in the pick and roll game with Chicago’s guards and on the offensive glass, averaging 8.3 points, eight rebound (3.3 offensive) and 1.3 blocks per game. Cardoso has the potential to become one of the best rebounders in the league. 

Chicago coach Teresa Weatherspoon has also sung her praise for Cardoso. 

“She is going to be one that you talk about forever in this league… She’s easy to coach and she’s only going to get better,” Weatherspoon said.

 

Julie Vanloo – Washington Mystics

It’s not often that a 31-year-old rookie is lighting up the court in the WNBA, but Julie Vanloo is doing just that for the Mystics. Vanloo played in the EuroLeague and for the Belgian National Team before making her way to the league. As a player, she resembles Liberty’s Marine Johannes, with her handles and highlight-reel shots. She averages eight points and five assists per game, including a career-high 15 points in a win over the Sparks on July 2. Even as a rookie, she has been a leader for the young Mystics team. 

Vanloo also made history, passing her teammate Ariel Atkins for most threes by a rookie in Mystics franchise history with 46. 

 

Jacy Sheldon – Dallas Wings

Sheldon went to a Dallas Wings team that needed another guard. She shined at Ohio State, averaging 17.8 points per game on 50 percent shooting during her senior season. Sheldon initially began her WNBA career coming off the bench but has since earned starter minutes due to Dallas injuries. Sheldon averaged 12 minutes per game in May, and has shot up to 28.7 minutes so far in July. While her scoring is still developing, she has shown some flashes for the future, including a season high 17 points against the Dream on July 5, and a late three to ice a game against the Minnesota Lynx on June 27. If she continues to be aggressive on the defensive end and continues to look for her shot, Sheldon will be a solid guard in the league for years to come. 

See Also


 

Honorable Mentions

These players haven’t gotten consistent minutes to start their careers, but they have stepped up big when called upon. 

 

Sevgi Uzun – Dallas Wings

Uzun is another player with an extensive international resume before making her way to the WNBA, as she is a EuroLeague champion, 2x Turkish Cup champion, and a member of the Turkish national team. The Wings have had a tough season, marred by injuries to some of their most productive players including Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard and Maddy Siegrist. Uzun, 26, might not have gotten as much playing time had it not been for the injuries, but she’s made the most of it. 

Uzun has struggled from the field as of late, only averaging 11.4 minutes per game in July compared to 28.8 in June. Still, she has shown enough potential to earn a spot and playing time on the Wings. Her career-high is 17 points and six assists against the Lynx on June 17. 

 

Alissa Pili – Minnesota Lynx

While Pili’s minutes haven’t been consistent on a stacked with depth Lynx team, she has made the most of her opportunities. Pili scored a career-high 20 points in a win against the Mercury on May 31, going 4-4 from three. Pili also has the luxury of learning from her teammates, including second-year player Dorka Juhasz and one of the best bigs in the game in Napheesa Collier. 

 

It’s plays like these that are exciting indictments of Pili’s future in the league. She turned defense into offense on a fast break, completely confusing her defender with a pass fake that led to a wide-open lay-in. 

 

Cameron Brink – Los Angeles Sparks

Brink went down with a season-ending ACL injury, but her impact in the first 14 games of the season cannot be understated. The second overall pick averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game and scored a career high 21 points on May 26 against the Wings. Even with Brink out since her injury, she still ranks third in the league in blocks per game. Brink won’t return to the court until next season, but Sparks’ fans have to be excited about her early production, as well as the tandem duo of Brink and Jackson as Los Angeles’ future. 

 

All stats as of July 16. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of WNBA.com



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