After Struggles Mid-Season, Here’s Why Angel Reese Won’t Win John R. Wooden Award Over Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Others

The LSU Tigers are going through a rough patch after making a commanding start to their campaign. The defending champions have now lost 3 conference fixtures after winning 16 games in a row. In addition to this, the other thing that has been headlining their locker room is the slump in the numbers of their Most Outstanding Player last season–Angel Reese. The tenacious No.10 has been on the back seat with every mid-season honors this time around. Apart from sharing the Sporting News Athlete of the Year alongside Caitlin Clark, Reese has not received any other significant recognition in comparison to her contemporaries like Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink.

As she becomes one of the twenty players shortlisted for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award mid-season, what makes it difficult for her to stand toe-to-toe with the rest?

How is Angel Reese struggling this season?

When we look at the star player’s performances side-by-side for this season and the last, we will undoubtedly see many missed marks. Compared to last season, the average time that the Bayou Barbie has been spending on the court has been cut short by Kim Mulkey. In the 18 games played so far, she has spent 29.7 minutes on the hardwood which is 3.9 minutes less than what she used to get last season. A major reason behind this deficit is the 4-game suspension she faced before the conference play began. Consequently, that took a toll on her numbers as there has been a slight dip in her stats this season.

The All-American forward of the Lady Tigers is doing incredible on her defensive front. However, it is showing its effects on the other aspects of her game. In fact, the need for Angel Reese in LSU’s vulnerable defense is holding her offensive game back. Undeniably, she has been a pillar on the defensive front for the Tigers. While this did get her to the second spot in overall rebounds, it also did a number on her overall scoring. As a result, she is currently in the 28th spot with an average of 19.6 points per game. When compared to the promising star’s previous season, this number is lagging by 3.4 points per game. While the difference may not look significant, it is surely showing its shades in Reese’s overall scoring.

To add to the battles that Angel needs to fight with herself are her opponents who are still only improving on their game.

Where does Reese stand with her competition?

It is no news that Angel Reese shares an intense on-court rivalry with former players of the year Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. In fact, the face-off between Reese and Clark headlined the national championship game. Although Clark ended up being the 2023 John R. Wooden Award bearer, Reese got the better of the 6ft guard when she went home with the NCAA title. Similarly, these two fantastic athletes are in it again as they have been the driving forces behind the success of their respective teams. However, there is clear daylight when we compare the numbers between the two. Unquestionably, the reigning national player Caitlin Clark is head and shoulders above Reese offensively.

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Clark currently occupies the top spot with a staggering average of 32 points per game. Moreover, with an assist rate of 7.6 per game, she is also the second-best distributor in the country at present. Meanwhile, the 2021 John R. Wooden Award winner Paige Bueckers may have missed out last year due to her injury, she is making a lot of noise in her junior campaign. The 22-year-old is 6 ranks ahead of Reese at the 22nd spot holding an average of 20 points per game. Further, Bueckers also holds an edge over Reese in terms of field goals as well. Apparently, her 55.1% efficiency places her at the 43rd position whereas Angel Reese is 93rd with a field goal percentage of 49.6 this season.

Nevertheless, these are not the only players that may turn into nightmares for Angel Reese.

Who else may become a roadblock for Angel Reese?

This season of NCAA has brought in many familiar faces that are making ridiculous improvements in their skills. At the same time, there are many new faces who are killing it on the hardwood. For instance, the freshman guard for USC Trojans– Juju Watkins — has rapidly climbed up the ladder to become the second-highest scorer of the season so far with 25.8 points per game. Additionally, the new member of the Lady Tigers’ roster — Aneesah Morrow — is also among those who can be a potential threat to Angel Reese.

While losing and winning are just parts of the game, no one really likes losing. And we definitely know that our Bayou Barbie does not like that at all. While there are no less chances that she just might avenge herself by winning the national title again, things seem to be a little rough for her this season. Nevertheless, there is undeniable improvement in Angel’s defensive and passing skills. However, we will have to wait and watch if she defies all the odds against her and still comes out a winner.

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