While many rookies are making an impact for their teams, the WNBA Rookie of the year is a two women race. Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx lead the way for Rookie of the Year this season. Both players are playing well for their teams.
Arike Ogunbowale
Ogunbowale was drafted with the fifth pick of the draft back in April. She played her college ball at Notre Dame. So far this season, Ogunbowale is averaging 16.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. The former Notre Dame star is only shooting 37% percent from the field and 32.5% from three-point land. Her poor shooting percentage could be because she always has the green light to shoot because the Dallas Wings do not have enough firepower. When Skyler Diggins comes back, it will help take some of the pressure off of Ogunbowale.
On Wednesday night Ogunbowale helped the Dallas Wings upset the hot Los Angeles Sparks. The Wings beat the Sparks 84 to 78; it was a big win for the Wings. Ogunbowale had 35 points on 12 of 21 from the field, she also added three three-pointers. Along with her scoring output, the Wings star played added six rebounds. I feel this game will help her make the final push for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Napheesa Collier
Collier was drafted right after Ogunbowale with the sixth pick of the draft. She is the perfect fit playing next to Sylvia Fowles; Collier has played on the wing a lot more because Fowles is playing in the paint. The former Connecticut star has adapted quickly to playing on the wing, due to her flexible and mobile skillset.
Collier is a versatile player, she can handle the ball, drive to the basket and she can shoot the three from outside. Collier is averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. She is shooting 45.8% from the field and 32.3% from three.
Collier is also a force on the defensive end of the court. She is excellent in the passing lanes, and ball handlers must be aware when she is around because of her length and ability to steal the ball. The Lynx star is an outstanding all-around player; she could win Rookie of the Year because she can do a lot on the floor to help her team win.
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