The debate between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark intensified when Reese started off her double-double spree. Clark, too, responded with her triple-double and assist record. And as of now, fans are still arguing over who could win the Rookie of the Year award. However, celebrated journalist Stephen A. Smith looks clear on who could take the trophy home. Previously too, he had stated that Reese deserved to be named the ROTY and though he was tight-lipped on Clark, he once again gave reasons to support his previous stand.

Smith was present at First Take on Friday when he didn’t shy away from naming Reese as the ROTY. But what came as a surprise for fans was that he didn’t speak even a single word about Clark while mentioning the coveted award.

“Angel Reese is a, is a, she, she may be Rookie of the Year. She’s special and let me tell you that… And let me tell you righty now. I don’t care what anybody says coz she can play. She’s no scrub, she’s a walking double-double. Da*n, it stop apologizing, marketability matters. And if you could have that girl on the team, make sure you do it coz that’s gonna elevate the popularity of the sport,” Smith stated via First Take.

Reese hit 15 consecutive double-doubles earlier in this year’s WNBA starting from her game against the New York Liberty in June. She broke Candace Parker’s record of 12 straight double-doubles. Plus, after missing out on her trademark double-doubles in a singular game, she again fueled up her fire and scored a double-double in the WNBA All-Star game against Team USA. Thus, Reese has proved her mettle in the W as she averages a whopping 13.5 points with 12 rebounds per game.

Clark, on the other hand, has scored 17.1 points with 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. Therefore, both the stars have carried over their NCAA rivalry to the WNBA. Clark also scored a triple-double in the game against the New York Liberty, becoming the first WNBA rookie to do so. She followed that up with a record-breaking 19 assists against the Dallas Wings in mid-July. Hence, this has raised many questions about Smith’s take.

Why is Stephen A. Smith’s take questionable?

Smith had previously come forward to state that Reese deserved to be the ROTY on First Take. He was backed by panelists such as LaChina Robinson and Shannon Sharpe, who believed that Reese should be getting that award firstly for her double-double spree and secondly, because she might propel her team to the WNBA playoffs – a spectacle that may not be possible for the Indiana Fever this season.

However, as per FOX Sports, the odds of Clark winning the award are much more than Reese’s. In July, the new site reported that Clark had a chance of -2000 of taking home the award whereas Reese has odds of +700. Therefore, as per sources, Clark is a massive favorite to win the award which is at odds with what Smith thinks.

Smith’s take has kept the ROTY debate alive even when the WNBA has been paused due to the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, fans would be expecting both Clark and Reese to prepare and present a stellar second WNBA half after the Olympics conclude.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.